Anti-cd40 antibodies

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure provides novel anti-CD40 antibodies, compositions including the new antibodies, nucleic acids encoding the antibodies, and methods of making and using the same.

1. CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/342,417, filed May 27, 2016, the contentsof which are incorporated herein in its entirety by reference thereto.

2. SEQUENCE LISTING

The instant application contains a Sequence Listing which has beensubmitted electronically in ASCII format and is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety. Said ASCII copy, created on May 17, 2017, isnamed 381493-285US_SL.txt and is 106,228 bytes in size.

3. TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application pertains to, among other things, novel anti-CD40antibodies, compositions including the new antibodies, nucleic acidsencoding the antibodies, and methods of making and using the same.

4. BACKGROUND

Cancer therapies comprise a wide range of therapeutic approaches,including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. While the variousapproaches allow a broad selection of treatments to be available to themedical practitioner to treat the cancer, existing therapeutics sufferfrom a number of disadvantages, such as a lack of selectivity oftargeting cancer cells over normal, healthy cells, and the developmentof resistance by the cancer to the treatment.

Recent approaches based on targeted therapeutics, which interfere withcellular processes of cancer cells preferentially over normal cells,have led to chemotherapeutic regimens with fewer side effects ascompared to non-targeted therapies such as radiation treatment.

Cancer immunotherapy, in particular the development of agents thatactivate T cells of the host's immune system to prevent theproliferation of or kill cancer cells, has emerged as a promisingtherapeutic approach to complement existing standards of care. See,e.g., Miller, et al. Cancer Cell, 27, 439-449 (2015). Such immunotherapyapproaches include the development of antibodies used to modulate theimmune system to kill cancer cells. For example, anti-PD-1 blockingantibodies pembrolizumab (Keytruda®) and nivolumab (Opdivo®) have beenapproved in the US and the European Union to treat diseases such asunresectable or metastatic melanoma and metastatic non-small cell lungcancer. Efforts to inhibit immunosuppressive proteins such as CTLA-4have led to the development and clinical evaluation of anti-CTLA-4antibodies, such as tremelimumab and ipilimumab (Yervoy®).

There remains a need for alternative approaches and additional cancertreatments to complement existing therapeutic standards of care.

5. SUMMARY

Human CD40 (SEQ ID NO:40) is a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptorsuperfamily member (TNF superfamily member 5) expressed onantigen-presenting cells such as B cells, dendritic cells (DC), andmonocytes, and nonimmune cells, including certain types of tumor cells.When activated by human CD40 ligand (SEQ ID NO:41), human CD40 activatesantigen-presenting cells and induces responses from both innate andadaptive immune systems. Agonistic CD40 agents can be used to induce theimmune system to prevent proliferation of and/or kill tumor cells, andthus provide effective therapeutic treatment of solid tumors.

The present disclosure provides anti-CD40 antibodies and bindingfragments thereof that specifically bind to human CD40 (SEQ ID NO:40).The amino acid sequences of exemplary CDRs, as well as the amino acidsequence of the V_(H) and V_(L) regions of the heavy and light chains ofexemplary anti-CD40 antibodies are provided in the Detailed Descriptionbelow.

The V_(H) and V_(L) chains of the anti-CD40 antibodies described hereinafford an allosteric agonistic receptor response that can activate humanCD40 in the presence or absence of CD40 ligand (CD40L), withoutcompeting with the CD40L-CD40 binding interaction. Moreover, the presentanti-CD40 antibodies, by interacting with CD40, can enhance CD40Lbinding to CD40.

The anti-CD40 antibodies may include modifications and/or mutations thatalter the properties of the antibodies, such as increase half-life,increase or decrease ADCC, or increase agonistic activity, as is knownin the art.

Nucleic acids comprising nucleotide sequences encoding the anti-CD40antibodies of the disclosure are provided herein, as are vectorscomprising nucleic acids. Additionally, prokaryotic and eukaryotic hostcells transformed with a vector comprising a nucleotide sequenceencoding a disclosed anti-CD40 antibody are provided herein, as well aseukaryotic (such as mammalian) host cells engineered to express thenucleotide sequences. Methods of producing antibodies, by culturing hostcells and recovering the antibodies are also provided, and discussedfurther in the Detailed Description below.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides compositionsincluding the anti-CD40 antibodies described herein. The compositionsgenerally comprise one or more anti-CD40 antibody as described herein,and/or salts thereof, and one or more excipients, carriers or diluents.

The present disclosure provides methods of treating subjects, such ashuman subjects, diagnosed with a solid tumor with an anti-CD40 antibody.The method generally involves administering to the subject an amount ofan anti-CD40 antibody described herein effective to provide therapeuticbenefit. The subject may be diagnosed with any one of a number of solidtumors that may be newly diagnosed, relapsed, or relapsed andrefractory. An anti-CD40 antibody is typically administered as anintravenous infusion or intratumoral injection at doses ranging fromabout 0.001 mg/kg to about 4 mg/kg. An anti-CD40 antibody is typicallyadministered as an intravenous infusion or intratumoral injection twicea week, once a week, once every two weeks, once every three weeks, onceevery four weeks, once every five weeks, once every six weeks, onceevery seven weeks, or once every eight weeks.

The anti-CD40 antibodies may be administered as single therapeuticagents (monotherapy) or adjunctive to or with other therapeutic agentstypically, but not necessarily, those used for the treatment of a solidtumor. Therapeutic agents typically will be used at their approved dose,route of administration, and frequency of administration, but may beused at lower dosages.

The anti-CD40 antibodies may be administered via a variety of routes ormodes of administration, including but not limited to, intravenousinfusion and/or injection, subcutaneous injection, and intratumoralinjection. The amount administered will depend upon the route ofadministration, the dosing schedule, the type of cancer being treated,the stage of the cancer being treated, and other parameters such as theage and weight of the patient, as is well known in the art. Specificexemplary dosing schedules expected to provide therapeutic benefit areprovided in the Detailed Description.

Based on data presented herein, it is expected that the anti-CD40antibodies described herein will provide therapeutic benefit to subjectsdiagnosed with a solid tumor.

6. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows the amino acid sequences of human CD40 receptor (SEQ IDNO:40) and human CD40 ligand (SEQ ID NO:41).

FIGS. 2A-2G provide amino acid sequences for V_(H) and V_(L) ofexemplary mouse and humanized anti-CD40 antibodies. FIG. 2A shows theV_(H) and V_(L) amino acid sequences for muAb1 through muAb3; FIG. 2Bshows the V_(H) and V_(L) amino acid sequences for muAb4 through muAb7;FIG. 2C shows the V_(H) and V_(L) amino acid sequences for muAb8 throughmuAb10; FIG. 2D shows the V_(H) and V_(L) amino acid sequences forhumanized antibodies of muAb6 and muAb8; FIG. 2E shows the V_(H) andV_(L) amino acid sequences for humanized antibodies of muAb8 and muAb9;FIG. 2F shows the V_(H) and V_(L) amino acid sequences for furtherhumanized antibodies of muAb9; and FIG. 2G shows the V_(H) and V_(L)amino acid sequences for additional humanized antibodies of muAb9.

FIG. 3 provides the results of competition experiments on human CD40between CD40L and exemplary anti-CD40 antibodies. Upper left showsexemplary anti-CD40 antibodies that compete with CD40L; upper rightshows antibodies that do not significantly compete with CD40L; lowerleft shows antibodies that enhance CD40-CD40L interaction; lower rightshows effects of anti-CD40 antibody huAb9 A2I and CP-870,893. Y-axisdepicts optical density (OD) at 650 nm; x-axis depicts antibody dose(“Sample”) in μg/mL.

FIG. 4 shows the binding of fluorochrome-conjugated human CD40 at afixed concentration of 1 μg/mL on Jurkat cells expressing human CD40L inthe presence of increasing amounts of antibody huAb9 A2I, CP-870,893,human IgG₁ (“huIgG1”) isotype or human IgG2 (“huIgG2”) isotype. Y-axisdepicts mean fluorescence intensity (“MFI”) representing the binding;x-axis depicts antibody dose (“Sample”) in μg/mL.

FIGS. 5A-5B show the effects of an antibody dose (“Sample”) at 3 μg/mLor media only on NFκB signal from HEK293 blue CD40 NFκB reporter cellsmixed with Jurkat D1.1 cells (1:1 ratio). Antibody huAb9 A2I,CP-870,893, human IgG₁ (“huIgG1”) isotype or human IgG2 (“huIgG2”)isotype, or media only, was added to the individual sample. FIG. 5Adepicts the NFκB signal in cultures containing CD40L negative (“CD40L-”)Jurkat D1.1 cells. FIG. 5B depicts the NFκB signal in culturescontaining CD40L positive (“CD40L+”) Jurkat D1.1 cells. Y-axis depictsOD at 625 nm; x-axis depicts antibody or media only treatment(“Sample”).

FIGS. 6A-6B show the binding of antibody doses (“Sample”) in μg/mL ofhuAb9-5 with wild type huIgG₁, or with V273Y or V273E variant, orCP-870,893, in CHO cells expressing CD16F, CD16V, CD32a, CD32b, or CD64.FIG. 6A shows binding of an anti-CD40 antibody on CHO cells expressingCD16F (upper left), CD16V (upper right), CD32a (lower left), or CD32b(lower right). FIG. 6B shows binding of an anti-CD40 antibody on CHOcells expressing CD64. Y-axis depicts mean fluorescence intensity (MFI)representing the binding; x-axis depicts antibody dose (“Sample”) inμg/mL.

FIG. 7 shows the antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) ofconstant region variants V273E or V273Y for antibody huAb9-5 as comparedwith huAb9-5 with the wild type human IgG1 in RL cells. Y-axis depictspercent cytotoxicity in RL cells; x-axis depicts antibody dose(“Sample”) in μg/mL.

FIG. 8 shows the effect of antibody huAb6-1 (upper left), huAb9-5 (lowerleft), huAb8-1 (upper right) with wild type human IgG1, or a constantregion variant V273E or V273Y, on B cell proliferation. Lower rightgraph shows B cell proliferation effects of huAb9 A2I with human IgG₁V273E variant or CP-870,893. Y-axis depicts B cell proliferation incounts per minute (CPM); x-axis depicts antibody dose (“Sample”) inμg/mL.

FIG. 9 shows the effect of antibody huAb6-1 (upper left), huAb9-5 (lowerleft) and huAb8-1 (upper right) with wild type human IgG1, or a constantregion variant V273E or V273Y, on dendritic cell (DC) activation asmeasured by IL-12p70 production in pg/mL. Lower right graph shows DCactivation of huAb9 A2I with human IgG₁ V273E variant or CP-870,893.Y-axis depicts IL-12p70 in pg/mL; x-axis depicts antibody dose(“Sample”) in μg/mL.

FIG. 10 shows the effect of a V273Y variant of huAb6-1, huAb8-1, orhuAb9-5 on DC and T-cell co-cultures as measured by interferon-gamma(IFN-γ) production in pg/mL.

FIG. 11 shows the effect of antibody huAb6-1 (upper), huAb9-5 (middle)or huAb9 A2I (lower) on tumor volume (mm³) in a prophylactic PC3 mousemodel.

FIG. 12 shows in vivo effects following intratumoral (IT) orintraperitoneal (IP) delivery of anti-CD40 antibody 1C10, or mIgG1isotype, in a mouse model carrying bilaterally established CT26syngeneic tumors. IT dosing was administered to one tumor at one flank,with no injection to the tumor at the other flank.

FIG. 13 shows effects on tumor volume (mm³) following dosing two times aweek of anti-CD40 antibody 1C10 at 0.6 mg/kg, an anti-PD-1 antibody at10 mg/kg, or combination treatment of both 1C10 and the anti-PD-1antibody in a CT26 mouse syngeneic model.

FIG. 14 shows ALT (upper left), TNFα (“TNFa”, lower left), or IL-6(lower right) levels 24 hours after dosing of anti-CD40 antibody 1C10(“anti-CD40”), anti-PD-1 antibody (“anti-PD-1”) or combination treatment(“anti-CD40+ anti-PD-1”) in a CT26 mouse syngeneic model. Upper rightgraph shows spleen weight 4 days post-dosing.

7. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure concerns antibodies and fragments thatspecifically bind human CD40 (SEQ ID NO:40), compositions comprising theantibodies, polynucleotides encoding anti-CD40 antibodies, host cellscapable of producing the antibodies, methods and compositions useful formaking the antibodies and binding fragments, and various methods ofusing the same.

As will be appreciated by skilled artisans, antibodies are “modular” innature. Throughout the disclosure, various specific embodiments of thevarious “modules” composing the antibodies are described. As specificnon-limiting examples, various specific embodiments of V_(H) CDRs, V_(H)chains, V_(L) CDRs and V_(L) chains are described. It is intended thatall of the specific embodiments may be combined with each other asthough each specific combination were explicitly described individually.

7.1. Abbreviations

The antibodies, binding fragments, ADCs and polynucleotides describedherein are, in many embodiments, described by way of their respectivepolypeptide or polynucleotide sequences. Unless indicated otherwise,polypeptide sequences are provided in N→C orientation; polynucleotidesequences in 5′→3′ orientation. For polypeptide sequences, theconventional three or one-letter abbreviations for the geneticallyencoded amino acids may be used, as noted in TABLE 1, below.

TABLE 1 Encoded Amino Acid Abbreviations Three Letter One-Letter AminoAcid Abbreviation Abbreviation Alanine Ala A Arginine Arg R AsparagineAsn N Aspartic acid Asp D Cysteine Cys C Glutamic acid Glu E GlutamineGln Q Glycine Gly G Histidine His H Isoleucine Ile I Leucine Leu LLysine Lys K Methionine Met M Phenylalanine Phe F Proline Pro P SerineSer S Threonine Thr T Tryptophan Trp W Tyrosine Tyr Y Valine Val V

Certain sequences are defined by structural formulae specifying aminoacid residues belonging to certain classes (e.g., aliphatic,hydrophobic, etc.). The various classes to which the genetically encodedamino acids belong as used herein are noted in TABLE 2, below. Someamino acids may belong to more than one class. Cysteine, which containsa sulfhydryl group, and proline, which is conformationally constrained,are not assigned classes.

TABLE 2 Encoded Amino Acid Classes Class Amino Acids Aliphatic A, I, L,V Aromatic F, Y, W Non-Polar M, A, I, L, V Polar N, Q, S, T Basic H, K,R Acidic D, E Small A, G

The abbreviations used for the various exemplary antibodies disclosedherein are provided in TABLE 3, below:

TABLE 3 Antibody Abbreviations Clone/Name Abbreviation V_(H) Sequence(FIGS. 2A-2G) V_(L) Sequence (FIGS. 2A-2G) AD163.9.3 muAb1 muAb1 V_(H)SEQ ID NO: 101 muAb1 V_(L) SEQ ID NO: 151 AD166.4.4 muAb2 muAb2 V_(H)SEQ ID NO: 102 muAb2 V_(L) SEQ ID NO: 152 AD175.14.11 muAb3 muAb3 V_(H)SEQ ID NO: 103 muAb3 V_(L) SEQ ID NO: 153 AD163.10.7 muAb4 muAb4 V_(H)SEQ ID NO: 104 muAb4 V_(L) SEQ ID NO: 154 AD165.1.2 muAb5 muAb5 V_(H)SEQ ID NO: 105 muAb5 V_(L) SEQ ID NO: 155 AD163.162.1 muAb6 muAb6 V_(H)SEQ ID NO: 106 muAb6 V_(L) SEQ ID NO: 156 AD163.27.12 muAb7 muAb6 V_(H)SEQ ID NO: 106 muAb7 V_(L) SEQ ID NO: 157 AD163.7.2 muAb8 muAb8 V_(H)SEQ ID NO: 107 muAb8 V_(L) SEQ ID NO: 158 AD164.14.6 muAb9 muAb9 V_(H)SEQ ID NO: 108 muAb9 V_(L) SEQ ID NO: 159 AD164.76.3 muAb10 muAb10 V_(H)SEQ ID NO: 109 muAb10 V_(L) SEQ ID NO: 160 Humanized muAb6 #1 huAb6-1huAb6-1 V_(H) SEQ ID NO: 110 huAb6-1 V_(L) SEQ ID NO: 161 HumanizedmuAb6 #2 huAb6-2 huAb6-2 V_(H) SEQ ID NO: 111 huAb6-1 V_(L) SEQ ID NO:161 Humanized muAb6 #3 huAb6-3 huAb6-3 V_(H) SEQ ID NO: 112 huAb6-1V_(L) SEQ ID NO: 161 Humanized muAb8 #1 huAb8-1 huAb8-1 V_(H) SEQ ID NO:113 huAb8-1 V_(L) SEQ ID NO: 162 Humanized muAb8 #2 huAb8-2 huAb8-2V_(H) SEQ ID NO: 114 huAb8-1 V_(L) SEQ ID NO: 162 Humanized muAb8 #3huAb8-3 huAb8-3 V_(H) SEQ ID NO: 115 huAb8-1 V_(L) SEQ ID NO: 162Humanized muAb9 #1 huAb9-1 huAb9-1 V_(H) SEQ ID NO: 116 huAb9-1 V_(L)SEQ ID NO: 163 Humanized muAb9 #2 huAb9-2 huAb9-2 V_(H) SEQ ID NO: 117huAb9-1 V_(L) SEQ ID NO: 163 Humanized muAb9 #3 huAb9-3 huAb9-3 V_(H)SEQ ID NO: 118 huAb9-1 V_(L) SEQ ID NO: 163 Humanized muAb9 #4 huAb9-4huAb9-1 V_(H) SEQ ID NO: 116 huAb9-4 V_(L) SEQ ID NO: 164 HumanizedmuAb9 #5 huAb9-5 huAb9-2 V_(H) SEQ ID NO: 117 huAb9-4 V_(L) SEQ ID NO:164 Humanized muAb9 #6 huAb9-6 huAb9-3 V_(H) SEQ ID NO: 118 huAb9-4V_(L) SEQ ID NO: 164 Humanized muAb9 #7 huAb9-7 huAb9-7 V_(H) SEQ ID NO:119 huAb9-7 V_(L) SEQ ID NO: 165 Humanized muAb9 #8 huAb9-8 huAb9-8V_(H) SEQ ID NO: 120 huAb9-7 V_(L) SEQ ID NO: 165 Humanized muAb9 #9huAb9-9 huAb9-9 V_(H) SEQ ID NO: 121 huAb9-9 V_(L) SEQ ID NO: 166Rehumanized muAb9 huAb9 rehu#1 huAb9 SEQ ID NO: 122 huAb9 VK1 V_(L) SEQID NO: 167 version #1 rehuVH4 V_(H) Rehumanized muAb9 huAb9 rehu#2 huAb9SEQ ID NO: 122 huAb9 SEQ ID NO: 168 version #2 rehuVH4 V_(H) rehuVK2V_(L) Rehumanized muAb9 huAb9 rehu#3 huAb9 SEQ ID NO: 123 huAb9 SEQ IDNO: 169 version #3 rehuVH3 V_(H) rehuVK1 V_(L) Humanized muAb9 A2I huAb9A2I huAb9-2V_(H) SEQ ID NO: 117 huAb9A2I V_(L) SEQ ID NO: 170 HumanizedmuAb9 A2V huAb9 A2V huAb9-2V_(H) SEQ ID NO: 117 huAb9A2V V_(L) SEQ IDNO: 171

7.2. Definitions

Unless otherwise defined herein, scientific and technical terms used inconnection with the present disclosure shall have the meanings that arecommonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art.

7.3. Anti-CD40 Antibodies and Binding Fragments

In one aspect, the disclosure concerns antibodies and/or bindingfragments thereof that specifically bind human CD40 receptor (also knownas tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 5, TNFRSF5, Bp50,and CD40L receptor).

As used herein, the term “antibody” (Ab) refers to an immunoglobulinmolecule that specifically binds to a particular antigen-here, CD40. Insome embodiments, the anti-CD40 antibodies of the disclosure bind tohuman CD40 and thereby modulate, e.g., activate, the immune system. Theresulting immune system response inhibits proliferation of cells such astumor cells, and in some instances are cytotoxic to the tumor cells.Anti-CD40 antibodies of the disclosure comprise complementaritydetermining regions (CDRs), also known as hypervariable regions, in boththe light chain and the heavy chain variable domains. The more highlyconserved portions of variable domains are called the framework (FR). Asis known in the art, the amino acid position/boundary delineating ahypervariable region of an antibody can vary, depending on the contextand the various definitions known in the art. Some positions within avariable domain may be viewed as hybrid hypervariable positions in thatthese positions can be deemed to be within a hypervariable region underone set of criteria while being deemed to be outside a hypervariableregion under a different set of criteria. One or more of these positionscan also be found in extended hypervariable regions. The disclosureprovides antibodies comprising modifications in these hybridhypervariable positions. The variable domains of native heavy and lightchains each comprise four FR regions, largely by adopting a β-sheetconfiguration, connected by three CDRs, which form loops connecting, andin some cases forming part of, the β-sheet structure. The CDRs in eachchain are held together in close proximity by the FR regions and, withthe CDRs from the other chain, contribute to the formation of the targetbinding site of antibodies. See Kabat et al., Sequences of Proteins ofImmunological Interest (National Institute of Health, Bethesda, Md.1987). As used herein, numbering of immunoglobulin amino acid residuesis done according to the immunoglobulin amino acid residue numberingsystem of Kabat et al. unless otherwise indicated.

The antibodies of the disclosure may be polyclonal, monoclonal,genetically engineered, and/or otherwise modified in nature, includingbut not limited to chimeric antibodies, humanized antibodies, humanantibodies, primatized antibodies, single chain antibodies, etc. Invarious embodiments, the antibodies comprise all or a portion of aconstant region of an antibody. In some embodiments, the constant regionis an isotype selected from: IgA (e.g., IgA₁ or IgA₂), IgD, IgE, IgG(e.g., IgG₁, IgG₂, IgG₃ or IgG₄), and IgM. In specific embodiments, theanti-CD40 antibodies described herein comprise an IgG₁. In otherembodiments, the anti-CD40 antibodies comprise an IgG₂. In yet otherembodiments, the anti-CD40 antibodies comprise an IgG₄. As used herein,the “constant region” of an antibody includes the natural constantregion, allotypes or natural variants, such as D356E and L358M, or A431Gin human IgG₁. See, e.g., Jefferis and Lefranc, MAbs, 1(4): 332-338(July-August 2009).

The light constant region of an anti-CD40 antibody may be a kappa (κ)light region or a lambda (λ) region. A λ light region can be any one ofthe known subtypes, e.g., λ₁, λ₂, λ₃, or λ₄. In some embodiments, theanti-CD40 antibody comprises a kappa (κ) light region.

The term “monoclonal antibody” as used herein is not limited toantibodies produced through hybridoma technology. A monoclonal antibodyis derived from a single clone, including any eukaryotic, prokaryotic,or phage clone, by any means available or known in the art. Monoclonalantibodies useful with the present disclosure can be prepared using awide variety of techniques known in the art including the use ofhybridoma, recombinant, and phage display technologies, or a combinationthereof. In many uses of the present disclosure, including in vivo useof the anti-CD40 antibodies in humans, chimeric, primatized, humanized,or human antibodies can suitably be used.

The term “chimeric” antibody as used herein refers to an antibody havingvariable sequences derived from a non-human immunoglobulin, such as arat or a mouse antibody, and human immunoglobulin constant regions,typically chosen from a human immunoglobulin template. Methods forproducing chimeric antibodies are known in the art. See, e.g., Morrison,1985, Science 229(4719):1202-7; Oi et al., 1986, BioTechniques4:214-221; Gillies et al., 1985, J. Immunol. Methods 125:191-202; U.S.Pat. Nos. 5,807,715; 4,816,567; and 4,816,397.

“Humanized” forms of non-human (e.g., murine) antibodies are chimericimmunoglobulins that contain minimal sequences derived from non-humanimmunoglobulin. In general, a humanized antibody will comprisesubstantially all of at least one, and typically two, variable domains,in which all or substantially all of the CDR regions correspond to thoseof a non-human immunoglobulin and all or substantially all of the FRregions are those of a human immunoglobulin sequence. The humanizedantibody can also comprise at least a portion of an immunoglobulinconstant region (Fc), typically that of a human immunoglobulin consensussequence. Methods of antibody humanization are known in the art. See,e.g., Riechmann et al., 1988, Nature 332:323-7; U.S. Pat. Nos.5,530,101; 5,585,089; 5,693,761; 5,693,762; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,180,370to Queen et al.; EP239400; PCT publication WO 91/09967; U.S. Pat. No.5,225,539; EP592106; EP519596; Padlan, 1991, Mol. Immunol., 28:489-498;Studnicka et al., 1994, Prot. Eng. 7:805-814; Roguska et al., 1994,Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 91:969-973; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,565,332.

“Human antibodies” include antibodies having the amino acid sequence ofa human immunoglobulin and include antibodies isolated from humanimmunoglobulin libraries or from animals transgenic for one or morehuman immunoglobulin and that do not express endogenous immunoglobulins.Human antibodies can be made by a variety of methods known in the artincluding phage display methods using antibody libraries derived fromhuman immunoglobulin sequences. See U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,444,887 and4,716,111; and PCT publications WO 98/46645; WO 98/50433; WO 98/24893;WO 98/16654; WO 96/34096; WO 96/33735; and WO 91/10741. Human antibodiescan also be produced using transgenic mice which are incapable ofexpressing functional endogenous immunoglobulins but which can expresshuman immunoglobulin genes. See, e.g., PCT publications WO 98/24893; WO92/01047; WO 96/34096; WO 96/33735; U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,413,923; 5,625,126;5,633,425; 5,569,825; 5,661,016; 5,545,806; 5,814,318; 5,885,793;5,916,771; and 5,939,598. In addition, companies such as LakePharma,Inc. (Belmont, Calif.) or Creative BioLabs (Shirley, N.Y.) can beengaged to provide human antibodies directed against a selected antigenusing technology similar to that described above. Fully human antibodiesthat recognize a selected epitope can be generated using a techniquereferred to as “guided selection.” In this approach, a selectednon-human monoclonal antibody, e.g., a mouse antibody, is used to guidethe selection of a completely human antibody recognizing the sameepitope (see, Jespers et al., 1988, Biotechnology 12:899-903).

“Primatized antibodies” comprise monkey variable regions and humanconstant regions. Methods for producing primatized antibodies are knownin the art. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,658,570; 5,681,722; and5,693,780.

Anti-CD40 antibodies of the disclosure include full-length (intact)antibody molecules that are capable of specifically binding CD40, e.g.,human CD40 (SEQ ID NO:40).

Also disclosed are anti-CD40 binding fragments that are capable ofspecifically binding human CD40. Examples of antibody binding fragmentsinclude by way of example and not limitation, Fab, Fab′, F(ab′)2, Fvfragments, single chain Fv fragments and single domain fragments.

A Fab fragment contains the constant and variable domains of the lightchain and the first constant domain (CH1) and the variable domain of theheavy chain. Fab′ fragments differ from Fab fragments by the addition ofa few residues at the carboxyl terminus of the heavy chain CH1 domainincluding one or more cysteines from the antibody hinge region. F(ab′)fragments are produced by cleavage of the disulfide bond at the hingecysteines of the F(ab′)2 pepsin digestion product. Additional chemicalcouplings of antibody fragments are known to those of ordinary skill inthe art. Fab and F(ab′)2 fragments lack the Fc fragment of an intactantibody, clear more rapidly from the circulation of animals, and mayhave less non-specific tissue binding than an intact antibody (see,e.g., Wahl et al., 1983, J. Nucl. Med. 24:316).

An “Fv” fragment is the minimum fragment of an antibody that contains acomplete target recognition and binding site. This region consists of adimer of one heavy and one light chain variable domain in a tight,non-covalent association (V_(H)-V_(L) dimer). It is in thisconfiguration that the three CDRs of each variable domain interact todefine a target binding site on the surface of the V_(H)-V_(L) dimer.Often, the six CDRs confer target binding specificity to the antibody.However, in some instances even a single variable domain (or half of anFv comprising only three CDRs specific for a target) can have theability to recognize and bind target, although at a lower affinity thanthe entire binding site.

“Single-chain Fv” or “scFv” antibody binding fragments comprise theV_(H) and V_(L) domains of an antibody, where these domains are presentin a single polypeptide chain. Generally, the Fv polypeptide furthercomprises a polypeptide linker between the V_(H) and V_(L) domains whichenables the scFv to form the desired structure for target binding.

“Single domain fragments” are composed of a single V_(H) or V_(L)domains which exhibit sufficient affinity to human CD40. In a specificembodiment, the single domain fragment is a camelized fragment (See,e.g., Riechmann, 1999, Journal of Immunological Methods 231:25-38).

The anti-CD40 antibodies of the disclosure include derivatizedantibodies. For example, but not by way of limitation, derivatizedantibodies are typically modified by glycosylation, acetylation,pegylation, phosphorylation, amidation, derivatization by knownprotecting/blocking groups, proteolytic cleavage, linkage to a cellularligand or other protein. Any of numerous chemical modifications can becarried out by known techniques, including, but not limited to, specificchemical cleavage, acetylation, formylation, metabolic synthesis oftunicamycin, etc. Additionally, the derivative can contain one or morenon-natural amino acids, e.g., using Ambryx technology (See, e.g.,Wolfson, 2006, Chem. Biol. 13(10):1011-2).

The anti-CD40 antibodies or binding fragments may be antibodies orfragments whose sequences have been modified to alter at least oneconstant region-mediated biological effector function. For example, insome embodiments, an anti-CD40 antibody may be modified to reduce atleast one constant region-mediated biological effector function relativeto the unmodified antibody, e.g., reduced binding to one or more of theFc receptors (FcγR) such as FcγRI, FcγRIIA, FcγRIIB, FcγRIIIA and/orFcγRIIIB. FcγR binding can be reduced by mutating the immunoglobulinconstant region segment of the antibody at particular regions necessaryfor FcγR interactions (See, e.g., Canfield and Morrison, 1991, J. Exp.Med. 173:1483-1491; and Lund et al., 1991, J. Immunol. 147:2657-2662).Reduction in FcγR binding ability of the antibody can also reduce othereffector functions which rely on FcγR interactions, such asopsonization, phagocytosis and antigen-dependent cellular cytotoxicity(“ADCC”).

The anti-CD40 antibody or binding fragment described herein includeantibodies that have been modified to acquire or improve at least oneconstant region-mediated biological effector function relative to anunmodified antibody, e.g., to enhance FcγR interactions (See, e.g., USPatent Appl. No. 2006/0134709). For example, an anti-CD40 antibody ofthe disclosure can have a constant region that binds FcγRI, FcγRIIA,FcγRIIB, FcγRIIIA and/or FcγRIIIB with greater affinity than thecorresponding wild type constant region.

Thus, antibodies of the disclosure may have alterations in biologicalactivity that result in increased or decreased opsonization,phagocytosis, or ADCC. Such alterations are known in the art. Forexample, modifications in antibodies that reduce ADCC activity aredescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,834,597. An exemplary ADCC lowering variantcorresponds to “mutant 3” (also known as “M3,” shown in FIG. 4 of U.S.Pat. No. 5,834,597) in which residues 234 and 237 (using EU numbering)are substituted with alanines. A mutant 3 (also known as “M3”) variationmay be used in a number of antibody isotypes, e.g., IgG2.

In some embodiments, the anti-CD40 antibodies of the disclosure have lowlevels of, or lack, fucose. Antibodies lacking fucose have beencorrelated with enhanced ADCC activity, especially at low doses ofantibody. See Shields et al., 2002, J. Biol. Chem. 277:26733-26740;Shinkawa et al., 2003, J. Biol. Chem. 278:3466-73. Methods of preparingfucose-less antibodies include growth in rat myeloma YB2/0 cells (ATCCCRL 1662). YB2/0 cells express low levels of FUT8 mRNA, which encodesα-1,6-fucosyltransferase, an enzyme necessary for fucosylation ofpolypeptides.

The anti-CD40 antibodies of the disclosure can comprise modified (orvariant) CH2 domains or entire Fc domains that include amino acidsubstitutions that increase binding to FcγRIIB and/or reduced binding toFcγRIIIA as compared to the binding of a corresponding wild-type CH2 orFc region. Variant CH2 or variant Fc domains have been described in U.S.Patent Appl. No. 2014/0377253. A variant CH2 or variant Fc domaintypically includes one or more substitutions at position 263, position266, position 273, and position 305, wherein the numbering of theresidues in the Fc domain is that of the EU index as in Kabat. In someembodiments, the anti-CD40 antibodies comprise one or more substitutionsselected from V263L, V266L, V273C, V273E, V273F, V273L, V273M, V273S,V273Y, V305K, and V305W, relative to the wild-type CH2 domain. Inspecific embodiments, the one or more substitutions of the CH2 domainare selected from V263L, V273E, V273F, V273M, V273S, and V273Y, relativeto the CH2 domain of a human IgG₁. For example, the one or moresubstitutions of an IgG₁ CH2 domain can be V273E. In another specificembodiment, the anti-CD40 antibody of the disclosure comprises a variantIgG₁ CH2 region comprising the amino acid substitution V263L.

Other examples of variant CH2 or variant Fc domains that can affordincreased binding to FcγRIIB and/or reduced binding to FcγRIIIA ascompared to the binding of a corresponding wild-type CH2 or Fc regioninclude those found in Vonderheide, et al. Clin. Cancer Res., 19(5),1035-1043 (2013), such as S267E or S267E/L328F in human IgG₁.

In some embodiments, the anti-CD40 antibodies or binding fragmentsinclude modifications that increase or decrease their binding affinitiesto the fetal Fc receptor, FcRn, for example, by mutating theimmunoglobulin constant region segment at particular regions involved inFcRn interactions (see, e.g., WO 2005/123780). In particularembodiments, an anti-CD40 antibody of the IgG class is mutated such thatat least one of amino acid residues 250, 314, and 428 of the heavy chainconstant region is substituted alone, or in any combinations thereof,such as at positions 250 and 428, or at positions 250 and 314, or atpositions 314 and 428, or at positions 250, 314, and 428, with positions250 and 428 a specific combination. For position 250, the substitutingamino acid residue can be any amino acid residue other than threonine,including, but not limited to, alanine, cysteine, aspartic acid,glutamic acid, phenylalanine, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, lysine,leucine, methionine, asparagine, proline, glutamine, arginine, serine,valine, tryptophan, or tyrosine. For position 314, the substitutingamino acid residue can be any amino acid residue other than leucine,including, but not limited to, alanine, cysteine, aspartic acid,glutamic acid, phenylalanine, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, lysine,methionine, asparagine, proline, glutamine, arginine, serine, threonine,valine, tryptophan, or tyrosine. For position 428, the substitutingamino acid residues can be any amino acid residue other than methionine,including, but not limited to, alanine, cysteine, aspartic acid,glutamic acid, phenylalanine, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, lysine,leucine, asparagine, proline, glutamine, arginine, serine, threonine,valine, tryptophan, or tyrosine. An exemplary substitution known tomodify Fc effector function is the Fc substitution M428L, which canoccur in combination with the Fc substitution T250Q. Additional specificcombinations of suitable amino acid substitutions are identified inTable 1 of U.S. Pat. No. 7,217,797. Such mutations increase binding toFcRn, which protects the antibody from degradation and increases itshalf-life.

An anti-CD40 antibody may have one or more amino acids inserted into oneor more of its CDRs, for example as described in Jung and Plückthun,1997, Protein Engineering 10:9, 959-966; Yazaki et al., 2004, ProteinEng. Des Sel. 17(5):481-9. Epub 2004 Aug. 17; and U.S. Pat. Appl. No.2007/0280931.

Anti-CD40 antibodies with affinity for human CD40 may be desirable fortherapeutic and diagnostic uses. Accordingly, the present disclosurecontemplates antibodies having binding affinity to human CD40. Inspecific embodiments, the anti-CD40 antibodies that bind human CD40 withan affinity of at least about 1000 nM, but may exhibit higher affinity,for example, at least about 900 nM, 800 nM, 700 nM, 600 nM, 500 nM, 400nM, 300 nM, 250 nM, 200 nM, 150 nM, 100 nM, 90 nM, 80 nM, 70 nM, 60 nM,50 nM, 40 nM, 30 nM, 25 nM, 20 nM, 15 nM, 10 nM, 7 nM, 6 nM, 5 nM, 4 nM,3 nM, 2 nM, 1 nM, 0.1 nM, 0.01 nM, or even higher. In some embodiments,the antibodies bind human CD40 with an affinity in the range of about 1pM to about 1000 nM, or an affinity ranging between any of the foregoingvalues.

Affinity of anti-CD40 antibodies for human CD40 can be determined usingtechniques well known in the art or described herein, such as forexample, but not by way of limitation, ELISA, isothermal titrationcalorimetry (ITC), surface plasmon resonance, or fluorescentpolarization assay.

Anti-CD40 antibodies generally comprise a heavy chain comprising avariable region (V_(H)) having three complementarity determining regions(“CDRs”) referred to herein (in N→C order) as V_(H) CDR#1, V_(H) CDR#2,and V_(H) CDR#3, and a light chain comprising a variable region (V_(L))having three complementarity determining regions referred to herein (inN→C order) as V_(L) CDR#1, V_(L) CDR#2, and V_(L) CDR#3. The amino acidsequences of exemplary CDRs, as well as the amino acid sequence of theV_(H) and V_(L) regions of the heavy and light chains of exemplaryanti-CD40 are provided herein. Specific embodiments of anti-CD40antibodies include these exemplary CDRs and/or V_(H) and/or V_(L)sequences, as well as antibodies that compete for binding human CD40with such antibodies.

In some embodiments, the amino acid sequences of the CDRs of ananti-CD40 antibody are selected from the following sequences:

CDR Sequence (N→C) Identifier V_(H )CDR#1: GYTFTSYWIT (SEQ ID NO: 1)GYTFTGYWIQ (SEQ ID NO: 2) GYTFTDYYMN (SEQ ID NO: 3) GFTFSDYYMS(SEQ ID NO: 4) GYSITTNYNWN (SEQ ID NO: 5) GYTFTSYWMH (SEQ ID NO: 6)GYTFTDYYIN (SEQ ID NO: 7) GYSITSNYYWN (SEQ ID NO: 8) GYSISSNYYWN(SEQ ID NO: 9) GYDITSNYYWN (SEQ ID NO: 10) V_(H )CDR#2:EINPGSGSTNYNEKFKS (SEQ ID NO: 11) EILPGGDHTKYNEKFRG (SEQ ID NO: 12)DINPNNGGTSYNQKFKG (SEQ ID NO: 13) FIRNKANGYTTEFSASVKG (SEQ ID NO: 14)YIRHDGTNNYNPSLKN (SEQ ID NO: 15) NIDPSNGETHYNQKFKD (SEQ ID NO: 16)WIFPGSGSVYCNEQFKG (SEQ ID NO: 17) YIRYDGSNNYNPSLKN (SEQ ID NO: 18)NIDPSNGETHYAQKFQG (SEQ ID NO: 19) WIFPGSGSVYSNEQFKG (SEQ ID NO: 20)YIRYDGSNNYNPSLKS (SEQ ID NO: 21) YIRYDGSNNYNPSLKG (SEQ ID NO: 22)V_(H )CDR#3: NRGTGDY (SEQ ID NO: 31) VGGDY (SEQ ID NO: 32) RGGLGRGTYALDY(SEQ ID NO: 33) YGGLRQGWYFDV (SEQ ID NO: 34) LDY (SEQ ID NO: 35)ERIYYSGSTYDGYFDV (SEQ ID NO: 36) SLGKFAY (SEQ ID NO: 37) V_(L )CDR#1:RSSQSLVHSYGNTYLH (SEQ ID NO: 51) RSSQSLVNSNENTYLH (SEQ ID NO: 52)RASQDISNYLN (SEQ ID NO: 53) RASQDIRNYLN (SEQ ID NO: 54) RSSQSLENSYGNTFLN(SEQ ID NO: 55) SASSSLSYMH (SEQ ID NO: 56) KASQSVVTAVA (SEQ ID NO: 57)RSSQSLENTNGNTFLN (SEQ ID NO: 58) RSSQSLENSNGNTFLN (SEQ ID NO: 59)V_(L )CDR#2: KVSNRIS (SEQ ID NO: 61) KVFNRYS (SEQ ID NO: 62) YTSRLHL(SEQ ID NO: 63) YTSRLHS (SEQ ID NO: 64) RVSNRFC (SEQ ID NO: 65) DTSKLAS(SEQ ID NO: 66) SASNRYT (SEQ ID NO: 67) RVSNRFS (SEQ ID NO: 68) RISNRFS(SEQ ID NO: 69) V_(L )CDR#3: SQSTHVPYT (SEQ ID NO: 81) FQSTHVPWT(SEQ ID NO: 82) QQGNTLPLT (SEQ ID NO: 83) QQGKTLPWT (SEQ ID NO: 84)LQVTHVPYT (SEQ ID NO: 85) QQWSSNPWT (SEQ ID NO: 86) QQYSSYPYT(SEQ ID NO: 87) LQVTHVPFT (SEQ ID NO: 88)

In some embodiments, each CDR of an anti-CD40 antibody, independently ofthe others, is selected to correspond in sequence to the respective CDRof an antibody provided in TABLE 3. In some embodiments, an anti-CD40antibody is an IgG, and has a V_(H) and V_(L) corresponding in sequenceto the V_(H) and V_(L) of an antibody provided in TABLE 3.

In some embodiments, an anti-CD40 antibody comprises a V_(H) chaincorresponding in sequence to any one of SEQ ID NOS:101, 102, 103, 104,105, 106, 107, 108, or 109; and a V_(L) chain corresponding in sequenceto any one of SEQ ID NOS:151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 158, 159, or160. In some embodiments, an anti-CD40 antibody comprises a V_(H) chaincorresponding in sequence to SEQ ID NO:101 and a V_(L) chaincorresponding in sequence to SEQ ID NO:151. In some embodiments, ananti-CD40 antibody comprises a V_(H) chain corresponding in sequence toSEQ ID NO:102 and a V_(L) chain corresponding in sequence to SEQ IDNO:152. In some embodiments, an anti-CD40 antibody comprises a V_(H)chain corresponding in sequence to SEQ ID NO:103 and a V_(L) chaincorresponding in sequence to SEQ ID NO:153. In some embodiments, ananti-CD40 antibody comprises a V_(H) chain corresponding in sequence toSEQ ID NO:104 and a V_(L) chain corresponding in sequence to SEQ IDNO:154. In some embodiments, an anti-CD40 antibody comprises a V_(H)chain corresponding in sequence to SEQ ID NO:105 and a V_(L) chaincorresponding in sequence to SEQ ID NO:155. In some embodiments, ananti-CD40 antibody comprises a V_(H) chain corresponding in sequence toSEQ ID NO:106 and a V_(L) chain corresponding in sequence to SEQ IDNO:156. In some embodiments, an anti-CD40 antibody and comprises a V_(H)chain corresponding in sequence to SEQ ID NO:106 and a V_(L) chaincorresponding in sequence to SEQ ID NO:157. In some embodiments, ananti-CD40 antibody and comprises a V_(H) chain corresponding in sequenceto SEQ ID NO:107 and a V_(L) chain corresponding in sequence to SEQ IDNO:158. In some embodiments, an anti-CD40 antibody and comprises a V_(H)chain corresponding in sequence to SEQ ID NO:108 and a V_(L) chaincorresponding in sequence to SEQ ID NO:159. In some embodiments, ananti-CD40 antibody comprises a V_(H) chain corresponding in sequence toSEQ ID NO:109 and a V_(L) chain corresponding in sequence to SEQ IDNO:160.

Specific exemplary embodiments of anti-CD40 antibodies with the aboveCDRs are described herein. In some embodiments, an anti-CD40 antibodyhas the CDRs of SEQ ID NOS: 1, 11, 31, 51, 61, and 81. In someembodiments, an anti-CD40 antibody has the CDRs of SEQ ID NOS: 2, 12,32, 52, 62, and 82. In some embodiments, an anti-CD40 antibody has theCDRs of SEQ ID NOS: 3, 13, 33, 53, 63, and 83. In some embodiments, ananti-CD40 antibody has the CDRs of SEQ ID NOS: 4, 14, 34, 54, 64, and84. In some embodiments, an anti-CD40 antibody has the CDRs of SEQ IDNOS: 5, 15, 35, 55, 65, and 85. In some embodiments, an anti-CD40antibody has the CDRs of SEQ ID NOS: 6, 16, 36, 56, 66, and 86. In someembodiments, an anti-CD40 antibody has the CDRs of SEQ ID NOS: 6, 19,36, 56, 66, and 86. In some embodiments, an anti-CD40 antibody has theCDRs of SEQ ID NOS: 7, 17, 37, 57, 67, and 87. In some embodiments, ananti-CD40 antibody has the CDRs of SEQ ID NOS: 7, 20, 37, 57, 67, and87. In some embodiments, an anti-CD40 antibody has the CDRs of SEQ IDNOS: 8, 18, 35, 58, 68, and 88. In some embodiments, an anti-CD40antibody has the CDRs of SEQ ID NOS: 9, 21, 35, 58, 68, and 88. In someembodiments, an anti-CD40 antibody has the CDRs of SEQ ID NOS: 10, 22,35, 58, 68, and 88.

In some embodiments, an anti-CD40 antibody is suitable foradministration to humans. In a specific embodiment, the anti-CD40antibody is humanized. In another specific embodiment, the amino acidsequences of the CDRs of the anti-CD40 antibody are selected from:

CDR Sequence (N→C) Identifier V_(H )CDR#1: GYTFTSYWMH (SEQ ID NO: 6)GYTFTDYYIN (SEQ ID NO: 7) GYSITSNYYWN (SEQ ID NO: 8) GYSISSNYYWN(SEQ ID NO: 9) GYDITSNYYWN (SEQ ID NO: 10) V_(H )CDR#2:WIFPGSGSVYCNEQFKG (SEQ ID NO: 17) YIRYDGSNNYNPSLKN (SEQ ID NO: 18)NIDPSNGETHYAQKFQG (SEQ ID NO: 19) WIFPGSGSVYSNEQFKG (SEQ ID NO: 20)YIRYDGSNNYNPSLKS (SEQ ID NO: 21) YIRYDGSNNYNPSLKG (SEQ ID NO: 22)V_(H )CDR#3: LDY (SEQ ID NO: 35) ERIYYSGSTYDGYFDV (SEQ ID NO: 36)SLGKFAY (SEQ ID NO: 37) V_(L )CDR#1: SASSSLSYMH (SEQ ID NO: 56)KASQSVVTAVA (SEQ ID NO: 57) RSSQSLENTNGNTFLN (SEQ ID NO: 58)V_(L )CDR#2: DTSKLAS (SEQ ID NO: 66) SASNRYT (SEQ ID NO: 67) RVSNRFS(SEQ ID NO: 68) V_(L )CDR#3: QQWSSNPWT (SEQ ID NO: 86) QQYSSYPYT(SEQ ID NO: 87) LQVTHVPFT (SEQ ID NO: 88)

In some embodiments, an anti-CD40 antibody comprises a V_(H) chaincorresponding in sequence to any one of SEQ ID NOS:110, 111, 112, 113,114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, or 123; and a V_(L) chaincorresponding in sequence to any one of SEQ ID NOS:161, 162, 163, 164,165, 166, 167, 168, 169, 170, or 171. In some embodiments, an anti-CD40antibody comprises a V_(H) chain corresponding in sequence to SEQ IDNO:110 and a V_(L) chain corresponding in sequence to SEQ ID NO:161. Insome embodiments, an anti-CD40 antibody comprises a V_(H) chaincorresponding in sequence to SEQ ID NO:111 and a V_(L) chaincorresponding in sequence to SEQ ID NO:161. In some embodiments, ananti-CD40 antibody comprises a V_(H) chain corresponding in sequence toSEQ ID NO:112 and a V_(L) chain corresponding in sequence to SEQ IDNO:161. In some embodiments, an anti-CD40 antibody comprises a V_(H)chain corresponding in sequence to SEQ ID NO:113 and a V_(L) chaincorresponding in sequence to SEQ ID NO:162. In some embodiments, ananti-CD40 antibody comprises a V_(H) chain corresponding in sequence toSEQ ID NO:114 and a V_(L) chain corresponding in sequence to SEQ IDNO:162. In some embodiments, an anti-CD40 antibody comprises a V_(H)chain corresponding in sequence to SEQ ID NO:115 and a V_(L) chaincorresponding in sequence to SEQ ID NO:162. In some embodiments, ananti-CD40 antibody comprises a V_(H) chain corresponding in sequence toSEQ ID NO:116 and a V_(L) chain corresponding in sequence to SEQ IDNO:163. In some embodiments, an anti-CD40 antibody comprises a V_(H)chain corresponding in sequence to SEQ ID NO:117 and a V_(L) chaincorresponding in sequence to SEQ ID NO:163. In some embodiments, ananti-CD40 antibody comprises a V_(H) chain corresponding in sequence toSEQ ID NO:118 and a V_(L) chain corresponding in sequence to SEQ IDNO:163. In some embodiments, an anti-CD40 antibody comprises a V_(H)chain corresponding in sequence to SEQ ID NO:116 and a V_(L) chaincorresponding in sequence to SEQ ID NO:164. In some embodiments, ananti-CD40 antibody comprises a V_(H) chain corresponding in sequence toSEQ ID NO:117 and a V_(L) chain corresponding in sequence to SEQ IDNO:164. In some embodiments, an anti-CD40 antibody comprises a V_(H)chain corresponding in sequence to SEQ ID NO:119 and a V_(L) chaincorresponding in sequence to SEQ ID NO:165. In some embodiments, ananti-CD40 antibody comprises a V_(H) chain corresponding in sequence toSEQ ID NO:120 and a V_(L) chain corresponding in sequence to SEQ IDNO:165. In some embodiments, an anti-CD40 antibody comprises a V_(H)chain corresponding in sequence to SEQ ID NO:121 and a V_(L) chaincorresponding in sequence to SEQ ID NO:166. In some embodiments, ananti-CD40 antibody comprises a V_(H) chain corresponding in sequence toSEQ ID NO:117 and a V_(L) chain corresponding in sequence to SEQ IDNO:167. In some embodiments, an anti-CD40 antibody comprises a V_(H)chain corresponding in sequence to SEQ ID NO:117 and a V_(L) chaincorresponding in sequence to SEQ ID NO:168. In some embodiments, ananti-CD40 antibody comprises a V_(H) chain corresponding in sequence toSEQ ID NO:117 and a V_(L) chain corresponding in sequence to SEQ IDNO:169. In some embodiments, an anti-CD40 antibody comprises a V_(H)chain corresponding in sequence to SEQ ID NO:117 and a V_(L) chaincorresponding in sequence to SEQ ID NO:170. In some embodiments, ananti-CD40 antibody comprises a V_(H) chain corresponding in sequence toSEQ ID NO:117 and a V_(L) chain corresponding in sequence to SEQ IDNO:171. In some embodiments, an anti-CD40 antibody comprises a V_(H)chain corresponding in sequence to SEQ ID NO:118 and a V_(L) chaincorresponding in sequence to SEQ ID NO:164. In some embodiments, ananti-CD40 antibody comprises a V_(H) chain corresponding in sequence toSEQ ID NO:122 and a V_(L) chain corresponding in sequence to SEQ IDNO:167. In some embodiments, an anti-CD40 antibody comprises a V_(H)chain corresponding in sequence to SEQ ID NO:122 and a V_(L) chaincorresponding in sequence to SEQ ID NO:168. In some embodiments, ananti-CD40 antibody comprises a V_(H) chain corresponding in sequence toSEQ ID NO:123 and a V_(L) chain corresponding in sequence to SEQ IDNO:169.

In some embodiments, the anti-CD40 antibodies compete for binding humanCD40 in in vitro assays with a reference antibody. In some embodiments,the anti-CD40 antibodies compete for binding human CD40 on cellsexpressing human CD40. The reference antibody may be any of theanti-CD40 antibodies described herein. In some embodiments, thereference antibody is an antibody provided in TABLE 3. In specificembodiments, the reference antibody is selected from antibody AD163.9.3(“muAb1”); antibody AD166.4.4 (“muAb2”); antibody AD175.14.11 (“muAb3”);antibody AD163.10.7 (“muAb4”); antibody AD165.1.2 (“muAb5”); antibodyAD163.162.1 (“muAb6”); antibody AD163.27.12 (“muAb7”); antibodyAD163.7.2 (“muAb8”); antibody AD164.14.6 (“muAb9”); and antibodyAD164.76.2 (“muAb10”). In some embodiments, the reference antibody is ahumanized version of an antibody provided in TABLE 3. In someembodiments, the reference antibody is a humanized version of muAb6,muAb8, or muAb9. In a specific embodiment, the reference antibody ishuAb9-2. In another embodiment, the reference antibody is huAb9-5. Inanother specific embodiment, the reference antibody is huAb9 A2I.

Post-translational modifications to the sequences of an anti-CD40antibody may occur, such as cleavage of one or more (e.g., 1, 2, 3, ormore) amino acid residues on the C-terminal end of the antibody heavychain.

In some embodiments, an anti-CD40 antibody comprises a heavy chainaccording to any one of SEQ ID NOS: 130-135, and a light chain accordingto SEQ ID NOS: 140-142. In certain embodiments, an anti-CD40 antibodycomprises a heavy chain according to SEQ ID NOS: 130 or 131, and a lightchain according to SEQ ID NO: 140. In certain embodiments, an anti-CD40antibody comprises a heavy chain according to SEQ ID NOS: 132 or 133,and a light chain according to SEQ ID NO: 140. In certain embodiments,an anti-CD40 antibody comprises a heavy chain according to SEQ ID NOS:134 or 135, and a light chain according to SEQ ID NO: 140. In certainembodiments, an anti-CD40 antibody comprises a heavy chain according toSEQ ID NOS: 132 or 133, and a light chain according to SEQ ID NO: 141.In certain embodiments, an anti-CD40 antibody comprises a heavy chainaccording to SEQ ID NOS: 132 or 133, and a light chain according to SEQID NO: 142.

The anti-CD40 antibodies described herein generally bind specifically tohuman CD40. Cross reactivity of the antibodies for binding to CD40 fromother species, for example, from monkey, e.g., cynomolgus monkey, mayoffer advantages, such as the ability to test in monkey animal modelsfor biological activity. Such animal model testing may be used to screenanti-CD40 antibodies to select for properties, e.g., favorablepharmacokinetics. In some embodiments, the anti-CD40 antibodies bind tocynomolgus CD40.

Assays for competition include, but are not limited to, a radioactivematerial labeled immunoassay (RIA), an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA), a sandwich ELISA, fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS)assays, and surface plasmon resonance assays.

In conducting an antibody competition assay between a reference antibodyand a test antibody (irrespective of species or isotype), one may firstlabel the reference with a detectable label, such as a fluorophore,biotin or an enzymatic (or even radioactive) label to enable subsequentidentification. In this case, cells expressing human CD40 are incubatedwith unlabeled test antibody, labeled reference antibody is added, andthe intensity of the bound label is measured. If the test antibodycompetes with the labeled reference antibody by binding to anoverlapping epitope, the intensity will be decreased relative to acontrol reaction carried out without test antibody.

In a specific embodiment of this assay, the concentration of labeledreference antibody that yields 80% of maximal binding (“conc_(80%)”)under the assay conditions (e.g., a specified density of cells) is firstdetermined, and a competition assay carried out with 10× conc_(80%) ofunlabeled test antibody and conc_(80%) of labeled reference antibody.

The inhibition can be expressed as an inhibition constant, or K, whichis calculated according to the following formula:

K _(i) =IC ₅₀/(1+[reference Ab concentration]/K _(d)),

where IC₅₀ is the concentration of test antibody that yields a 50%reduction in binding of the reference antibody and K_(d) is thedissociation constant of the reference antibody, a measure of itsaffinity for human CD40. Antibodies that compete with anti-CD40antibodies disclosed herein can have a K_(i) from 10 pM to 1000 nM underassay conditions described herein.

In various embodiments, a test antibody is considered to compete with areference antibody if it decreases binding of the reference antibody byat least about 20% or more, for example, by at least about 20%, 30%,40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95% or even more, or by a percentageranging between any of the foregoing values, at a reference antibodyconcentration that is 80% of maximal binding under the specific assayconditions used, and a test antibody concentration that is 10-foldhigher than the reference antibody concentration.

The anti-CD40 antibodies described herein are capable of agonizing humanCD40 (SEQ ID NO:40) by activating human CD40 via at least two mechanismsof action. In some embodiments, an anti-CD40 antibody binds human CD40in the absence of CD40L (SEQ ID NO:41), and enhances the signaling ofhuman CD40. In some embodiments, an anti-CD40 antibody binds the humanCD40L-CD40 bound complex, and enhances the signaling of human CD40. Insome embodiments, an anti-CD40 antibody competes for binding human CD40(SEQ ID NO:40) with a control antibody selected from a humanizedantibody listed in TABLE 3, and activates human CD40 independent ofhuman CD40 ligand (SEQ ID NO:41), i.e., in the absence or presence ofCD40L.

The effect of the anti-CD40 antibodies on human CD40-CD40L interactioncan be determined by assays known in the art, such as the CD40Lcompetitive assay described in Example 2. A ratio of an OD₄₅₀ measuredin samples containing anti-CD40 antibodies to an OD₄₅₀ taken fromisotype control antibody samples (an “OD₄₅₀ ratio”) can be used todetermine the effect of an anti-CD40 antibody on human CD40L binding tohuman CD40. A OD₄₅₀ ratio of 1 indicates no effect; less than 1indicates competition with CD40L; greater than 1 indicates anenhancement of CD40L binding with CD40. In some embodiments, theanti-CD40 antibody increases (i e, enhances) binding of human CD40L (SEQID NO:41) to human CD40 (SEQ ID NO:40) as determined by OD₄₅₀ ratio. Anenhancement of CD40L binding to CD40 by OD₄₅₀ ratio is at least about1.2, such as about 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.2, 2.4,2.5, 2.6, 2.8, 3.0 or greater.

A specific assay and assay conditions useful for assessing whether anantibody competes for binding human CD40 with a reference antibody asdescribed herein is provided in Example 2. Antibody competition can bedetermined by a surface plasmon resonance assay as described in Example2, or in competitive binding protocol described in Section 8.4.3.

While an agonistic anti-CD40 antibody activates the immune system toexert an antitumor effect, broad systemic immune activation across allcell types may lead to undesired side effects. Accordingly, in someembodiments, an anti-CD40 antibody activates a dendritic cell-mediatedimmune response selectively over a B-cell immune response as compared toa reference anti-CD40 antibody. In some embodiments, the referenceanti-CD40 antibody is CP-870,893. In some embodiments, an anti-CD40antibody has a similar activity, e.g., a production of IL-12p70 at agiven dose, within about 200%, such as within about 180%, 150%, 130%,110%, 100%, 90%, 80%, 70%, 60%, 50%, 40%, 30%, 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, orabout 5%, in activating a dendritic cell as compared to the productionof IL-12p70 at the same dose of a reference anti-CD40 antibody in theassay described in Section 8.1.3. In some embodiments, an anti-CD40antibody has a lower potency in activating a B cell as compared to areference anti-CD40 antibody. The B cell EC₅₀ ratio of the anti-CD40antibody to the reference anti-CD40 antibody can be greater than about1.5, such as about 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50 or greater,in the assay described in Section 8.5.3. In some embodiments, ananti-CD40 antibody has a similar activity in activating a dendritic celland a lower potency in activating a B cell as compared to a referenceanti-CD40 antibody.

7.4. Polynucleotides Encoding the Anti-CD40 Antibodies, ExpressionSystems and Methods of Making the Antibodies

The present disclosure encompasses nucleic acid molecules encodingimmunoglobulin light and heavy chain genes for anti-CD40 antibodies,vectors comprising such nucleic acids, and host cells capable ofproducing the anti-CD40 antibodies of the disclosure.

An anti-CD40 antibody of the disclosure can be prepared by recombinantexpression of immunoglobulin light and heavy chain genes in a host cell.To express an antibody recombinantly, a host cell is transfected withone or more recombinant expression vectors carrying DNA fragmentsencoding the immunoglobulin light and heavy chains of the antibody suchthat the light and heavy chains are expressed in the host cell and,optionally, secreted into the medium in which the host cells arecultured, from which medium the antibodies can be recovered. Standardrecombinant DNA methodologies are used to obtain antibody heavy andlight chain genes, incorporate these genes into recombinant expressionvectors and introduce the vectors into host cells, such as thosedescribed in Molecular Cloning; A Laboratory Manual, Second Edition(Sambrook, Fritsch and Maniatis (eds), Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., 1989),Current Protocols in Molecular Biology (Ausubel, F. M. et al., eds.,Greene Publishing Associates, 1989) and in U.S. Pat. No. 4,816,397.

To generate nucleic acids encoding such anti-CD40 antibodies, DNAfragments encoding the light and heavy chain variable regions are firstobtained. These DNAs can be obtained by amplification and modificationof germline DNA or cDNA encoding light and heavy chain variablesequences, for example using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR).Germline DNA sequences for human heavy and light chain variable regiongenes are known in the art (See, e.g., the “VBASE” human germlinesequence database; see also Kabat, E. A. et al., 1991, Sequences ofProteins of Immunological Interest, Fifth Edition, U.S. Department ofHealth and Human Services, NIH Publication No. 91-3242; Tomlinson etal., 1992, J. Mol. Biol. 22T:116-198; and Cox et al., 1994, Eur. J.Immunol. 24:827-836; the contents of each of which are incorporatedherein by reference).

Once DNA fragments encoding anti-CD40 antibody-related V_(H) and V_(L)segments are obtained, these DNA fragments can be further manipulated bystandard recombinant DNA techniques, for example to convert the variableregion genes to full-length antibody chain genes, to Fab fragment genesor to a scFv gene. In these manipulations, a V_(L)- or V_(H)-encodingDNA fragment is operatively linked to another DNA fragment encodinganother protein, such as an antibody constant region or a flexiblelinker. The term “operatively linked,” as used in this context, isintended to mean that the two DNA fragments are joined such that theamino acid sequences encoded by the two DNA fragments remain in-frame.

The isolated DNA encoding the V_(H) region can be converted to afull-length heavy chain gene by operatively linking the V_(H)-encodingDNA to another DNA molecule encoding heavy chain constant regions (CH1,CH2, CH3 and, optionally, CH4). The sequences of human heavy chainconstant region genes are known in the art (See, e.g., Kabat, E. A., etal., 1991, Sequences of Proteins of Immunological Interest, FifthEdition, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, NIH PublicationNo. 91-3242) and DNA fragments encompassing these regions can beobtained by standard PCR amplification. The heavy chain constant regioncan be an IgG₁, IgG₂, IgG₃, IgG₄, IgA, IgE, IgM or IgD constant region,but in certain embodiments is an IgG₁ or IgG₄. For a Fab fragment heavychain gene, the V_(H)-encoding DNA can be operatively linked to anotherDNA molecule encoding only the heavy chain CH1 constant region.

The isolated DNA encoding the V_(L) region can be converted to afull-length light chain gene (as well as a Fab light chain gene) byoperatively linking the V_(L)-encoding DNA to another DNA moleculeencoding the light chain constant region, CL. The sequences of humanlight chain constant region genes are known in the art (See, e.g.,Kabat, et al., 1991, Sequences of Proteins of Immunological Interest,Fifth Edition, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, NIHPublication No. 91-3242) and DNA fragments encompassing these regionscan be obtained by standard PCR amplification. The light chain constantregion can be a kappa or lambda constant region, but in certainembodiments is a kappa constant region. To create a scFv gene, theV_(H)- and V_(L)-encoding DNA fragments are operatively linked toanother fragment encoding a flexible linker, e.g., encoding the aminoacid sequence (Gly₄˜Ser)₃ (SEQ ID NO:200), such that the V_(H) and V_(L)sequences can be expressed as a contiguous single-chain protein, withthe V_(L) and V_(H) regions joined by the flexible linker (See, e.g.,Bird et al., 1988, Science 242:423-426; Huston et al., 1988, Proc. Natl.Acad. Sci. USA 85:5879-5883; McCafferty et al., 1990, Nature348:552-554).

To express the anti-CD40 antibodies of the disclosure, DNAs encodingpartial or full-length light and heavy chains, obtained as describedabove, are inserted into expression vectors such that the genes areoperatively linked to transcriptional and translational controlsequences. In this context, the term “operatively linked” is intended tomean that an antibody gene is ligated into a vector such thattranscriptional and translational control sequences within the vectorserve their intended function of regulating the transcription andtranslation of the antibody gene. The expression vector and expressioncontrol sequences are chosen to be compatible with the expression hostcell used. The antibody light chain gene and the antibody heavy chaingene can be inserted into separate vectors or, more typically, bothgenes are inserted into the same expression vector.

The antibody genes are inserted into the expression vector by standardmethods (e.g., ligation of complementary restriction sites on theantibody gene fragment and vector, or blunt end ligation if norestriction sites are present). Prior to insertion of the anti-CD40antibody-related light or heavy chain sequences, the expression vectorcan already carry antibody constant region sequences. For example, oneapproach to converting the anti-CD40 monoclonal antibody-related V_(H)and V_(L) sequences to full-length antibody genes is to insert them intoexpression vectors already encoding heavy chain constant and light chainconstant regions, respectively, such that the V_(H) segment isoperatively linked to the CH segment(s) within the vector and the V_(L)segment is operatively linked to the CL segment within the vector.Additionally or alternatively, the recombinant expression vector canencode a signal peptide that facilitates secretion of the antibody chainfrom a host cell. The antibody chain gene can be cloned into the vectorsuch that the signal peptide is linked in-frame to the amino terminus ofthe antibody chain gene. The signal peptide can be an immunoglobulinsignal peptide or a heterologous signal peptide (i.e., a signal peptidefrom a non-immunoglobulin protein).

In addition to the antibody chain genes, the recombinant expressionvectors of the disclosure carry regulatory sequences that control theexpression of the antibody chain genes in a host cell. The term“regulatory sequence” is intended to include promoters, enhancers andother expression control elements (e.g., polyadenylation signals) thatcontrol the transcription or translation of the antibody chain genes.Such regulatory sequences are described, for example, in Goeddel, GeneExpression Technology: Methods in Enzymology 185, Academic Press, SanDiego, Calif., 1990. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the artthat the design of the expression vector, including the selection ofregulatory sequences may depend on such factors as the choice of thehost cell to be transformed, the level of expression of protein desired,etc. Suitable regulatory sequences for mammalian host cell expressioninclude viral elements that direct high levels of protein expression inmammalian cells, such as promoters and/or enhancers derived fromcytomegalovirus (CMV) (such as the CMV promoter/enhancer), Simian Virus40 (SV40) (such as the SV40 promoter/enhancer), adenovirus, (e.g., theadenovirus major late promoter (AdMLP)) and polyoma. For furtherdescription of viral regulatory elements, and sequences thereof, see,e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,168,062 by Stinski, U.S. Pat. No. 4,510,245 byBell et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 4,968,615 by Schaffner et al.

In addition to the antibody chain genes and regulatory sequences, therecombinant expression vectors of the disclosure can carry additionalsequences, such as sequences that regulate replication of the vector inhost cells (e.g., origins of replication) and selectable marker genes.The selectable marker gene facilitates selection of host cells intowhich the vector has been introduced (See, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos.4,399,216, 4,634,665 and 5,179,017, all by Axel et al.). For example,typically the selectable marker gene confers resistance to drugs, suchas G418, hygromycin or methotrexate, on a host cell into which thevector has been introduced. Suitable selectable marker genes include thedihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) gene (for use in DHFR⁻ host cells withmethotrexate selection/amplification) and the neo gene (for G418selection). For expression of the light and heavy chains, the expressionvector(s) encoding the heavy and light chains is transfected into a hostcell by standard techniques. The various forms of the term“transfection” are intended to encompass a wide variety of techniquescommonly used for the introduction of exogenous DNA into a prokaryoticor eukaryotic host cell, e.g., electroporation, lipofection,calcium-phosphate precipitation, DEAE-dextran transfection and the like.

It is possible to express the antibodies of the disclosure in eitherprokaryotic or eukaryotic host cells. In certain embodiments, expressionof antibodies is performed in eukaryotic cells, e.g., mammalian hostcells, of optimal secretion of a properly folded and immunologicallyactive antibody. Exemplary mammalian host cells for expressing therecombinant antibodies of the disclosure include Chinese Hamster Ovary(CHO cells) (including DHFR⁻ CHO cells, described in Urlaub and Chasin,1980, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 77:4216-4220, used with a DHFRselectable marker, e.g., as described in Kaufman and Sharp, 1982, Mol.Biol. 159:601-621), NSO myeloma cells, COS cells and SP2 cells. Whenrecombinant expression vectors encoding antibody genes are introducedinto mammalian host cells, the antibodies are produced by culturing thehost cells for a period of time sufficient to allow for expression ofthe antibody in the host cells or secretion of the antibody into theculture medium in which the host cells are grown. Antibodies can berecovered from the culture medium using standard protein purificationmethods. Host cells can also be used to produce portions of intactantibodies, such as Fab fragments or scFv molecules. It is understoodthat variations on the above procedure are within the scope of thepresent disclosure. For example, it can be desirable to transfect a hostcell with DNA encoding either the light chain or the heavy chain (butnot both) of an anti-CD40 antibody of this disclosure.

Recombinant DNA technology can also be used to remove some or all of theDNA encoding either or both of the light and heavy chains that is notnecessary for binding to human CD40. The molecules expressed from suchtruncated DNA molecules are also encompassed by the antibodies of thedisclosure.

For recombinant expression of an anti-CD40 antibody of the disclosure,the host cell can be co-transfected with two expression vectors of thedisclosure, the first vector encoding a heavy chain derived polypeptideand the second vector encoding a light chain derived polypeptide. Thetwo vectors can contain identical selectable markers, or they can eachcontain a separate selectable marker. Alternatively, a single vector canbe used which encodes both heavy and light chain polypeptides.

Once a nucleic acid encoding one or more portions of an anti-CD40antibody, further alterations or mutations can be introduced into thecoding sequence, for example to generate nucleic acids encodingantibodies with different CDR sequences, antibodies with reducedaffinity to the Fc receptor, or antibodies of different subclasses.

The anti-CD40 antibodies of the disclosure can also be produced bychemical synthesis (e.g., by the methods described in Solid PhasePeptide Synthesis, 2^(nd) ed., 1984 The Pierce Chemical Co., Rockford,Ill.). Variant antibodies can also be generated using a cell-freeplatform (See, e.g., Chu et al., Biochemia No. 2, 2001 (Roche MolecularBiologicals) and Murray et al., 2013, Current Opinion in ChemicalBiology, 17:420-426).

Once an anti-CD40 antibody of the disclosure has been produced byrecombinant expression, it can be purified by any method known in theart for purification of an immunoglobulin molecule, for example, bychromatography (e.g., ion exchange, affinity, and sizing columnchromatography), centrifugation, differential solubility, or by anyother standard technique for the purification of proteins. Further, theanti-CD40 antibodies of the present disclosure can be fused toheterologous polypeptide sequences described herein or otherwise knownin the art to facilitate purification.

Once isolated, the anti-CD40 antibody can, if desired, be furtherpurified, e.g., by high performance liquid chromatography (see, e.g.,Fisher, Laboratory Techniques In Biochemistry And Molecular Biology,Work and Burdon, eds., Elsevier, 1980), or by gel filtrationchromatography on a Superdex™ 75 column (Pharmacia Biotech AB, Uppsala,Sweden).

7.5. Pharmaceutical Compositions

The anti-CD40 antibodies described herein may be in the form ofcompositions comprising the antibody and one or more carriers,excipients and/or diluents. The compositions may be formulated forspecific uses, such as for veterinary uses or pharmaceutical uses inhumans. The form of the composition (e.g., dry powder, liquidformulation, etc.) and the excipients, diluents and/or carriers usedwill depend upon the intended uses of the antibody and, for therapeuticuses, the mode of administration.

For therapeutic uses, the compositions may be supplied as part of asterile, pharmaceutical composition that includes a pharmaceuticallyacceptable carrier. This composition can be in any suitable form(depending upon the desired method of administering it to a subject,e.g., a human subject, i.e., patient). The pharmaceutical compositioncan be administered to a subject by a variety of routes such as orally,transdermally, subcutaneously, intranasally, intravenously,intramuscularly, intratumorally, intrathecally, topically or locally.The most suitable route for administration in any given case will dependon the particular antibody, the subject, and the nature and severity ofthe disease and the physical condition of the subject. Typically, thepharmaceutical composition will be administered intravenously orsubcutaneously.

Pharmaceutical compositions can be conveniently presented in unit dosageforms containing a predetermined amount of an anti-CD40 antibodydescribed herein per dose. The quantity of anti-CD40 antibody includedin a unit dose will depend on the disease being treated, as well asother factors as are well known in the art. Such unit dosages may be inthe form of a lyophilized dry powder containing an amount of antibodysuitable for a single administration, or in the form of a liquid. Drypowder unit dosage forms may be packaged in a kit with a syringe, asuitable quantity of diluent and/or other components useful foradministration. Unit dosages in liquid form may be conveniently suppliedin the form of a syringe pre-filled with a quantity of the anti-CD40antibody suitable for a single administration.

The pharmaceutical compositions may also be supplied in bulk formcontaining quantities of anti-CD40 antibody suitable for multipleadministrations.

Pharmaceutical compositions may be prepared for storage as lyophilizedformulations or aqueous solutions by mixing an antibody having thedesired degree of purity with optional pharmaceutically-acceptablecarriers, excipients or stabilizers typically employed in the art (allof which are referred to herein as “carriers”), i.e., buffering agents,stabilizing agents, preservatives, isotonifiers, non-ionic detergents,antioxidants, and other miscellaneous additives. See, Remington'sPharmaceutical Sciences, 16th edition (Osol, ed. 1980). Such additivesshould be nontoxic to the recipients at the dosages and concentrationsemployed.

Buffering agents help to maintain the pH in the range which approximatesphysiological conditions. They may be present at a wide variety ofconcentrations, but will typically be present in concentrations rangingfrom about 2 mM to about 50 mM. Suitable buffering agents for use withthe present disclosure include both organic and inorganic acids andsalts thereof such as citrate buffers (e.g., monosodium citrate-disodiumcitrate mixture, citric acid-trisodium citrate mixture, citricacid-monosodium citrate mixture, etc.), succinate buffers (e.g.,succinic acid-monosodium succinate mixture, succinic acid-sodiumhydroxide mixture, succinic acid-disodium succinate mixture, etc.),tartrate buffers (e.g., tartaric acid-sodium tartrate mixture, tartaricacid-potassium tartrate mixture, tartaric acid-sodium hydroxide mixture,etc.), phosphate buffers (e.g., phosphoric acid-monosodium phosphatemixture, phosphoric acid-disodium phosphate mixture, monosodiumphosphate-disodium phosphate mixture, etc.), gluconate buffers (e.g.,gluconic acid-sodium gluconate mixture, gluconic acid-sodium hydroxidemixture, gluconic acid-potassium gluconate mixture, etc.), oxalatebuffer (e.g., oxalic acid-sodium oxalate mixture, oxalic acid-sodiumhydroxide mixture, oxalic acid-potassium oxalate mixture, etc.), lactatebuffers (e.g., lactic acid-sodium lactate mixture, lactic acid-sodiumhydroxide mixture, lactic acid-potassium lactate mixture, etc.) andacetate buffers (e.g., acetic acid-sodium acetate mixture, aceticacid-sodium hydroxide mixture, etc.). Additionally, fumarate buffers,histidine buffers and trimethylamine salts such as2-amino-2-hydroxymethyl-propane-1,3-diol (i.e., Tris, THAM, ortris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane) can be used.

Isotonicifiers sometimes known as “stabilizers” can be added to ensureisotonicity of liquid compositions of the present disclosure and includepolyhydric sugar alcohols, for example trihydric or higher sugaralcohols, such as glycerin, erythritol, arabitol, xylitol, sorbitol andmannitol. Stabilizers refer to a broad category of excipients which canrange in function from a bulking agent to an additive which solubilizesthe therapeutic agent or helps to prevent denaturation or adherence tothe container wall. Typical stabilizers can be polyhydric sugar alcohols(enumerated above); amino acids such as arginine, lysine, glycine,glutamine, asparagine, histidine, alanine, ornithine, leucine,2-phenylalanine, glutamic acid, threonine, etc., organic sugars or sugaralcohols, such as lactose, trehalose, stachyose, mannitol, sorbitol,xylitol, ribitol, myoinositol, galactitol, glycerol and the like,including cyclitols such as inositol; polyethylene glycol; amino acidpolymers; sulfur containing reducing agents, such as urea, glutathione,thioctic acid, sodium thioglycolate, thioglycerol, α-monothioglyceroland sodium thiosulfate; low molecular weight polypeptides (e.g.,peptides of 10 residues or fewer); hydrophilic polymers, such aspolyvinylpyrrolidone monosaccharides, such as xylose, mannose, fructose,glucose; disaccharides such as lactose, maltose, sucrose and trehalose;and trisaccacharides such as raffinose; and polysaccharides such asdextran. Stabilizers may be present in amounts ranging from 0.5 to 10weight % per weight of anti-CD40 antibody.

Non-ionic surfactants or detergents (also known as “wetting agents”) maybe added to help solubilize the glycoprotein as well as to protect theglycoprotein against agitation-induced aggregation, which also permitsthe formulation to be exposed to shear surface stressed without causingdenaturation of the protein. Suitable non-ionic surfactants includepolysorbates (20, 80, etc.), poloxamers (184, 188 etc.), and pluronicpolyols. Non-ionic surfactants may be present in a range of about 0.05mg/mL to about 1.0 mg/mL.

A specific exemplary embodiment of an aqueous composition suitable foradministration via intravenous infusion comprises 10 mg/mL of anti-CD40antibody, 15 mM histidine buffer, pH 6.0, 8.0% (w/v) sucrose, and 0.05%(w/v) polysorbate 80. In certain embodiments, the anti-CD40 antibody isany one of the humanized antibodies described in TABLE 3. Thecomposition may be in the form of a lyophilized powder that, uponreconstitution with 2.0 mL sterile water or other solution suitable forinjection or infusion (for example, 0.9% saline, Ringer's solution,lactated Ringer's solution, etc.) provides the above aqueouscomposition. The composition, or other embodiments of compositions, mayalso be in the form of a syringe or other device suitable for injectionand/or infusion pre-filled with a quantity of composition suitable for asingle administration of the anti-CD40 antibody.

7.6. Methods of Use 7.6.1. Therapeutic Benefit

Data provided herein demonstrate that anti-CD40 antibodies describedherein that agonize CD40 in the presence of tumor cells exert potentanti-tumor activity against these solid tumors in vivo. Accordingly, theanti-CD40 antibodies, binding fragments, and/or pharmaceuticalcompositions comprising the anti-CD40 antibodies may be usedtherapeutically to treat solid tumors.

Generally, the methods involve administering to a human patient having asolid tumor an effective amount of an anti-CD40 antibody that agonizesCD40, and kills and/or reduces proliferation of tumor cells to providetherapeutic benefit. Solid tumors that may be treated with the anti-CD40antibody include, but are not limited to, adrenal cancers, bone cancers,brain cancers, breast cancers, colorectal cancers, esophageal cancers,eye cancers, gastric cancers, head and neck cancers, kidney cancers,liver cancers, lung cancers (e.g., non-small cell lung cancer,mesothelioma), head and neck cancers (e.g., squamous cell carcinoma ofthe head and neck), lymphomas (e.g., B cell lymphomas), melanomas (e.g.,advanced malignant melanoma, cutaneous melanoma), oral cancers, ovariancancers, penile cancers, prostate cancers, pancreatic cancers, skincancers, testicular cancers, thyroid cancers, uterine cancers, andvaginal cancers. In some embodiments, the solid tumor is head and neckcancer, lung cancer, melanoma or pancreatic cancer.

The cancer may be newly diagnosed and naïve to treatment, or may berelapsed, refractory, or relapsed and refractory, or a metastatic formof a solid tumor. Indeed, in vivo data in mouse PC3 prophylactic models(FIG. 12) show that the anti-CD40 antibodies are effective in reducingtumor size in comparison to dosing with isotype antibody.

Without wishing to be limited by theory, it is believed that ananti-CD40 antibody activates the immune system by agonizing CD40. Thesubsequent immune response then exerts an antitumor effect on adjacenttumor cells, without regard to CD40 expression levels. Accordingly, ananti-CD40 antibody of the disclosure is expected to be effective againstCD40-positive or CD40-negative solid tumors.

An anti-CD40 antibody of the disclosure may be administered alone(monotherapy) or adjunctive to, or with, other anti-cancer therapiesand/or targeted or non-targeted anti-cancer agents. Whether administeredas monotherapy or adjunctive to, or with, other therapies or agents, anamount of anti-CD40 antibody is administered such that the overalltreatment regimen provides therapeutic benefit.

By therapeutic benefit is meant that the use of anti-CD40 antibodies totreat cancer in a patient results in any demonstrated clinical benefitcompared with no therapy (when appropriate) or to a known standard ofcare. Clinical benefit can be assessed by any method known to one ofordinary skill in the art. In one embodiment, clinical benefit isassessed based on objective response rate (ORR) (determined using RECISTversion 1.1), duration of response (DOR), progression-free survival(PFS), and/or overall survival (OS). In some embodiments, a completeresponse indicates therapeutic benefit. In some embodiments, a partialresponse indicates therapeutic benefit. In some embodiments, stabledisease indicates therapeutic benefit. In some embodiments, an increasein overall survival indicates therapeutic benefit. In some embodiments,therapeutic benefit may constitute an improvement in time to diseaseprogression and/or an improvement in symptoms or quality of life. Inother embodiments, therapeutic benefit may not translate to an increasedperiod of disease control, but rather a markedly reduced symptom burdenresulting in improved quality of life. As will be apparent to those ofskill in the art, a therapeutic benefit may be observed using theanti-CD40 antibodies alone (monotherapy) or adjunctive to, or with,other anti-cancer therapies and/or targeted or non-targeted anti-canceragents.

Typically, therapeutic benefit is assessed using standard clinical testsdesigned to measure the response to a new treatment for cancer. Toassess the therapeutic benefits of the anti-CD40 antibodies describedherein one or a combination of the following tests can be used: (1) theResponse Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors (RECIST) version 1.1, (2)the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) Performance Status, (3)immune-related response criteria (irRC), (4) disease evaluable byassessment of tumor antigens, (5) validated patient reported outcomescales, and/or (6) Kaplan-Meier estimates for overall survival andprogression free survival.

Assessment of the change in tumor burden is an important feature of theclinical evaluation of cancer therapeutics. Both tumor shrinkage(objective response) and time to the development of disease progressionare important endpoints in cancer clinical trials. Standardized responsecriteria, known as RECIST (Response Evaluation Criteria in SolidTumors), were published in 2000. An update (RECIST 1.1) was released in2009. RECIST criteria are typically used in clinical trials whereobjective response is the primary study endpoint, as well as in trialswhere assessment of stable disease, tumor progression or time toprogression analyses are undertaken because these outcome measures arebased on an assessment of anatomical tumor burden and its change overthe course of the trial. TABLE 4 provides the definitions of theresponse criteria used to determine objective tumor response to a studydrug, such as the anti-CD40 antibodies described herein.

TABLE 4 Response Criteria Complete Response Disappearance of all targetlesions. Any pathological lymph nodes (CR) (whether target ornon-target) must have reduction in short axis to <10 mm. PartialResponse At least a 30% decrease in the sum of diameters of targetlesions, taking as (PR) reference the baseline sum diameters.Progressive Disease At least a 20% increase in the sum of diameters oftarget lesions, taking as (PD) reference the smallest sum on study (thisincludes the baseline sum if that is the smallest on study). In additionto the relative increase of 20%, the sum must also demonstrate anabsolute increase of at least 5 mm. (Note: the appearance of one or morenew lesions is also considered progression). Stable Disease Neithersufficient shrinkage to qualify for PR nor sufficient increase to (SD)qualify for PD, taking as reference the smallest sum diameters while onstudy.

Secondary outcome measures that can be used to determine the therapeuticbenefit of the anti-CD40 antibodies described herein include, ObjectiveResponse Rate (ORR), Progression Free Survival (PFS), Overall Survival(OS), Duration of Overall Response (DOR), and Depth of Response (DpR).ORR is defined as the proportion of the participants who achieve acomplete response (CR) or partial response (PR). PFS is defined as thetime from the first dose date of an anti-CD40 antibody to either diseaseprogression or death, whichever occurs first. OS is defined as thelength of time from either the date of diagnosis or the start oftreatment for a disease, that patients diagnosed with the disease arestill alive. DOR is defined as the time from the participant's initialCR or PR to the time of disease progression. DpR is defined as thepercentage of tumor shrinkage observed at the maximal response pointcompared to baseline tumor load. Clinical endpoints for both ORR and PFScan be determined based on RECIST 1.1 criteria described above.

The ECOG Scale of Performance Status shown in TABLE 5 is used todescribe a patient's level of functioning in terms of their ability tocare for themselves, daily activity, and physical ability. The scale wasdeveloped by the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG), now part ofthe ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group, and published in 1982.

TABLE 5 Grade ECOG Performance Status 0 Fully active, able to carry onall pre-disease performance without restriction 1 Restricted inphysically strenuous activity but ambulatory and able to carry out workof a light or sedentary nature, e.g., light house work, office work 2Ambulatory and capable of all selfcare but unable to carry out any workactivities; up and about more than 50% of waking hours 3 Capable of onlylimited selfcare; confined to bed or chair more than 50% of waking hours4 Completely disabled; cannot carry on any selfcare; totally confined tobed or chair 5 Dead

Another set of criteria that can be used to characterize fully and todetermine response to immunotherapeutic agents, such as antibody-basedcancer therapies, is the immune-related response criteria (irRC), whichwas developed for measurement of solid tumors in 2009, and updated in2013 (Wolchok, et al. Clin. Cancer Res. 2009; 15(23): 7412-7420 andNishino, et al. Clin. Cancer Res. 2013; 19(14): 3936-3943, each of whichis incorporated by reference in its entirety). The updated irRC criteriaare typically used to assess the effect of an immunotherapeutic agent,such as an anti-CD40 antibody described herein, on tumor burden, anddefines response according to TABLE 6.

TABLE 6 Response Criteria Complete Response Disappearance of all targetlesions in two consecutive observations not less (CR) than 4 weeks apartPartial Response At least a 30% decrease in the sum of the longestdiameters of target (PR) lesions, taking as reference the baseline sumdiameters. Progressive Disease At least a 20% increase in the sum ofdiameters of target lesions, taking as (PD) reference the smallest sumon study (this includes the baseline sum if that is the smallest onstudy). (Note: the appearance of one or more new lesions is notconsidered progression. The measurement of new lesions is included inthe sum of the measurements). Stable Disease Neither sufficientshrinkage to qualify for PR nor sufficient increase to (SD) qualify forPD, taking as reference the smallest sum diameters while on study.

One exemplary therapeutic benefit resulting from the use of anti-CD40antibodies described herein to treat solid tumors, whether administeredas monotherapy or adjunctive to, or with, other therapies or agents, isa complete response. Another exemplary therapeutic benefit resultingfrom the use of anti-CD40 antibodies described herein to treat solidtumors, whether administered as monotherapy or adjunctive to, or with,other therapies or agents, is a partial response.

Validated patient reported outcome scales can also be used to denoteresponse provided by each patient through a specific reporting system.Rather than being disease focused, such outcome scales are concernedwith retained function while managing a chronic condition. Onenon-limiting example of a validated patient reported outcome scale isPROMIS® (Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System) fromthe United States National Institutes of Health. For example, PROMIS®Physical Function Instrument for adult cancer patients can evaluateself-reported capabilities for the functioning of upper extremities(e.g., dexterity), lower extremities (e.g., walking or mobility), andcentral regions (e.g., neck, back mobility), and includes routine dailyactivities, such as running errands.

Kaplan-Meier curves (Kaplan and Meier, J. Am. Stat. Assoc. 1958;53(282): 457-481) can also be used to estimate overall survival andprogression free survival for cancer patients undergoing anti-CD40antibody therapy in comparison to standard of care.

7.6.2. Adjunctive Therapies

The anti-CD40 antibodies may be used adjunctive to, or with, otheragents or treatments having anti-cancer properties. When usedadjunctively, the anti-CD40 antibody and other agent(s) may beformulated together in a single, combination pharmaceutical formulation,or may be formulated and administered separately, either on a singlecoordinated dosing regimen or on different dosing regimens. Agentsadministered adjunctive to or with the anti-CD40 antibodies willtypically have complementary activities to the anti-CD40 antibodies suchthat the antibodies and other agents do not adversely affect each other.

Agents that may be administered adjunctive to or with an anti-CD40antibody include, but are not limited to, alkylating agents,angiogenesis inhibitors, antibodies, antimetabolites, antimitotics,antiproliferatives, antivirals, aurora kinase inhibitors, apoptosispromoters (for example, Bcl-2 family inhibitors), activators of deathreceptor pathway, Bcr-Abl kinase inhibitors, BiTE (Bi-Specific T cellEngager) antibodies, antibody drug conjugates, biologic responsemodifiers, cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors, cell cycle inhibitors,cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors, DVDs, leukemia viral oncogene homolog(ErbB2) receptor inhibitors, growth factor inhibitors, heat shockprotein (HSP)-90 inhibitors, histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors,hormonal therapies, immunologicals, inhibitors of inhibitors ofapoptosis proteins (IAPs), intercalating antibiotics, kinase inhibitors,kinesin inhibitors, Jak2 inhibitors, mammalian target of rapamycin(mTor) inhibitors, microRNAs, mitogen-activated extracellularsignal-regulated kinase inhibitors, non-steroidal anti-inflammatorydrugs (NSAIDs), poly ADP (adenosine diphosphate)-ribose polymerase(PARP) inhibitors, platinum chemotherapeutics, Bruton's tyrosine kinase(BTK) inhibitors (e.g., ibrutinib, acalabrutinib), polo-like kinase(Plk) inhibitors, phosphoinositide-3 kinase (PI3K) inhibitors,proteasome inhibitors, purine analogs, pyrimidine analogs, receptortyrosine kinase inhibitors, retinoids/deltoids plant alkaloids, smallinhibitory ribonucleic acids (siRNAs), topoisomerase inhibitors,ubiquitin ligase inhibitors, and the like, as well as combinations ofone or more of these agents.

Examples of immunologicals include, but are not limited to, interferons,immune checkpoint inhibitors, and other immune-enhancing agents.Interferons include interferon alpha, interferon alpha-2a, interferonalpha-2b, interferon beta, interferon gamma-1a, ACTIMMUNE® (interferongamma-1b) or interferon gamma-n1, combinations thereof and the like.Immune check point inhibitors include antibodies that target PD-1 (e.g.,pembrolizumab and nivolumab), PD-L1 (e.g., durvalumab, atezolizumab,avelumab, MEDI4736, MSB0010718C and MPDL3280A), and CTLA4 (cytotoxiclymphocyte antigen 4; e.g., ipilimumab, tremelimumab). Immune-enhancingagents include anti-OX40 agonist antibodies that activate T cells. Incertain embodiments, a humanized anti-CD40 antibody shown in TABLE 3 isadministered adjunctive to pembrolizumab. In other certain embodiments,a humanized anti-CD40 antibody shown in TABLE 3 is administeredadjunctive to nivolumab.

An anti-CD40 antibody may also be used to enhance the efficacy ofradiation therapy. Examples of radiation therapy include external beamradiation therapy, internal radiation therapy (i.e., brachytherapy) andsystemic radiation therapy.

7.7. Dosages and Administration Regimens

The amount of anti-CD40 antibodies administered will depend upon avariety of factors, including but not limited to, the particular type ofsolid tumor treated, the stage of the solid tumor being treated, themode of administration, the frequency of administration, the desiredtherapeutic benefit, and other parameters such as the age, weight andother characteristics of the patient, etc. Determination of dosageseffective to provide therapeutic benefit for specific modes andfrequency of administration is within the capabilities of those skilledin the art.

Dosages effective to provide therapeutic benefit may be estimatedinitially from in vivo animal models or clinical. Suitable animal modelsfor a wide variety of diseases are known in the art.

The anti-CD40 antibodies disclosed herein may be administered by anyroute appropriate to the condition to be treated. In some embodiments,the anti-CD40 antibody is any one of the humanized antibodies listed inTABLE 3. An anti-CD40 antibody will typically be administeredparenterally, i.e., infusion, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intravenous(IV), intradermal, intrathecal, bolus, intratumoral (IT) injection orepidural ((Shire et al., 2004, J. Pharm. Sciences 93(6):1390-1402)). Inone embodiment, an anti-CD40 antibody is provided as a lyophilizedpowder in a vial. The vials may contain 21 mg of anti-CD40 antibody.Prior to administration, the lyophilized powder is reconstituted withsterile water for injection (SWFI) or other suitable medium to provide asolution containing 10 mg/mL anti-CD40 antibody. In some embodiments,the resulting reconstituted solution is further diluted with saline orother suitable medium and administered via an IV infusion twice every 7days, once every 7 days, once every 14 days, once every 21 days, onceevery 28 days, once every 35 days, once every 42 days, once every 49days, or once every 56 days. In some embodiments, for the first cycle,the infusion occurs over 90 minutes. In some embodiments, subsequentinfusions are over 60 minutes. In other embodiments, the resultingreconstituted solution is further diluted with saline or other suitablemedium and administered via an IT injection twice every 7 days, onceevery 7 days, once every 14 days, once every 21 days, once every 28days, once every 35 days, once every 42 days, once every 49 days, oronce every 56 days.

In one exemplary embodiment, an anti-CD40 antibody is any one of thehumanized antibodies listed in TABLE 3. The anti-CD40 antibody isadministered as an IV infusion once every 7 days at 0.005 mg/kg, 0.01mg/kg, 0.02 mg/kg, 0.03 mg/kg, 0.04 mg/kg, 0.05 mg/kg, 0.06 mg/kg, 0.08mg/kg, 0.1 mg/kg, 0.2 mg/kg, 0.3 mg/kg, 0.4 mg/kg, 0.5 mg/kg, 0.6 mg/kg,0.8 mg/kg, 1.0 mg/kg, 1.1 mg/kg, 1.2 mg/kg, 1.3 mg/kg, 1.4 mg/kg, 1.5mg/kg, 1.6 mg/kg, 1.7 mg/kg, 1.8 mg/kg, 1.9 mg/kg, 2.0 mg/kg, 2.2 mg/kg,2.4 mg/kg, 2.6 mg/kg, 2.8 mg/kg, 3.0 mg/kg, 3.2 mg/kg, 3.4 mg/kg, 3.6mg/kg, 3.8 mg/kg, or 4.0 mg/kg.

In another exemplary embodiment, an anti-CD40 antibody is any one of thehumanized antibodies listed in TABLE 3. The anti-CD40 antibody isadministered as an IV infusion once every 14 days at 0.005 mg/kg, 0.01mg/kg, 0.02 mg/kg, 0.03 mg/kg, 0.04 mg/kg, 0.05 mg/kg, 0.06 mg/kg, 0.08mg/kg, 0.1 mg/kg, 0.2 mg/kg, 0.3 mg/kg, 0.4 mg/kg, 0.5 mg/kg, 0.6 mg/kg,0.8 mg/kg, 1.0 mg/kg, 1.1 mg/kg, 1.2 mg/kg, 1.3 mg/kg, 1.4 mg/kg, 1.5mg/kg, 1.6 mg/kg, 1.7 mg/kg, 1.8 mg/kg, 1.9 mg/kg, 2.0 mg/kg, 2.2 mg/kg,2.4 mg/kg, 2.6 mg/kg, 2.8 mg/kg, 3.0 mg/kg, 3.2 mg/kg, 3.4 mg/kg, 3.6mg/kg, 3.8 mg/kg, or 4.0 mg/kg.

In another exemplary embodiment, an anti-CD40 antibody is any one of thehumanized antibodies listed in TABLE 3. The anti-CD40 antibody isadministered as an IV infusion once every 28 days at 0.005 mg/kg, 0.01mg/kg, 0.02 mg/kg, 0.03 mg/kg, 0.04 mg/kg, 0.05 mg/kg, 0.06 mg/kg, 0.08mg/kg, 0.1 mg/kg, 0.2 mg/kg, 0.3 mg/kg, 0.4 mg/kg, 0.5 mg/kg, 0.6 mg/kg,0.8 mg/kg, 1.0 mg/kg, 1.1 mg/kg, 1.2 mg/kg, 1.3 mg/kg, 1.4 mg/kg, 1.5mg/kg, 1.6 mg/kg, 1.7 mg/kg, 1.8 mg/kg, 1.9 mg/kg, 2.0 mg/kg, 2.2 mg/kg,2.4 mg/kg, 2.6 mg/kg, 2.8 mg/kg, 3.0 mg/kg, 3.2 mg/kg, 3.4 mg/kg, 3.6mg/kg, 3.8 mg/kg, or 4.0 mg/kg.

In another exemplary embodiment, an anti-CD40 antibody is any one of thehumanized antibodies listed in TABLE 3. The anti-CD40 antibody isadministered as an IT injection once every 7 days at 0.001 mg/kg, 0.002mg/kg, 0.003 mg/kg, 0.004 mg/kg, 0.005 mg/kg, 0.006 mg/kg, 0.007 mg/kg,0.008 mg/kg, 0.009 mg/kg, 0.01 mg/kg, 0.015 mg/kg, 0.02 mg/kg, 0.03mg/kg, 0.04 mg/kg, 0.05 mg/kg, 0.06 mg/kg, 0.08 mg/kg, 0.1 mg/kg, 0.2mg/kg, 0.3 mg/kg, 0.4 mg/kg, 0.5 mg/kg, 0.6 mg/kg, 0.8 mg/kg, 1.0 mg/kg,1.1 mg/kg, 1.2 mg/kg, 1.3 mg/kg, 1.4 mg/kg, 1.5 mg/kg, 1.6 mg/kg, 1.7mg/kg, 1.8 mg/kg, 1.9 mg/kg, or 2.0 mg/kg.

In another exemplary embodiment, an anti-CD40 antibody is any one of thehumanized antibodies listed in TABLE 3. The anti-CD40 antibody isadministered as an IT injection once every 14 days at 0.001 mg/kg, 0.002mg/kg, 0.003 mg/kg, 0.004 mg/kg, 0.005 mg/kg, 0.006 mg/kg, 0.007 mg/kg,0.008 mg/kg, 0.009 mg/kg, 0.01 mg/kg, 0.015 mg/kg, 0.02 mg/kg, 0.03mg/kg, 0.04 mg/kg, 0.05 mg/kg, 0.06 mg/kg, 0.08 mg/kg, 0.1 mg/kg, 0.2mg/kg, 0.3 mg/kg, 0.4 mg/kg, 0.5 mg/kg, 0.6 mg/kg, 0.8 mg/kg, 1.0 mg/kg,1.1 mg/kg, 1.2 mg/kg, 1.3 mg/kg, 1.4 mg/kg, 1.5 mg/kg, 1.6 mg/kg, 1.7mg/kg, 1.8 mg/kg, 1.9 mg/kg, or 2.0 mg/kg.

In another exemplary embodiment, an anti-CD40 antibody is any one of thehumanized antibodies listed in TABLE 3. The anti-CD40 antibody isadministered as an IT injection once every 28 days at 0.001 mg/kg, 0.002mg/kg, 0.003 mg/kg, 0.004 mg/kg, 0.005 mg/kg, 0.006 mg/kg, 0.007 mg/kg,0.008 mg/kg, 0.009 mg/kg, 0.01 mg/kg, 0.015 mg/kg, 0.02 mg/kg, 0.03mg/kg, 0.04 mg/kg, 0.05 mg/kg, 0.06 mg/kg, 0.08 mg/kg, 0.1 mg/kg, 0.2mg/kg, 0.3 mg/kg, 0.4 mg/kg, 0.5 mg/kg, 0.6 mg/kg, 0.8 mg/kg, 1.0 mg/kg,1.1 mg/kg, 1.2 mg/kg, 1.3 mg/kg, 1.4 mg/kg, 1.5 mg/kg, 1.6 mg/kg, 1.7mg/kg, 1.8 mg/kg, 1.9 mg/kg, or 2.0 mg/kg.

When administered adjunctive to or with other agents, such as otherchemotherapeutic agents, the anti-CD40 antibodies may be administered onthe same schedule as the other agent(s), or on a different schedule.When administered on the same schedule, the anti-CD40 antibody may beadministered before, after, or concurrently with the other agent. Insome embodiments where an anti-CD40 antibody is administered adjunctiveto, or with, standards of care, the anti-CD40 antibody may be initiatedprior to commencement of the standard therapy, for example a day,several days, a week, several weeks, a month, or even several monthsbefore commencement of standard of care therapy.

In one exemplary embodiment, an anti-CD40 antibody is used adjunctive tonivolumab (OPDIVO®) to treat non-small cell lung cancer. In someembodiments, the anti-CD40 antibody is any one of the humanizedantibodies listed in TABLE 3. The anti-CD40 antibody is administered viaIV infusion once every 7 days at 0.005 mg/kg, 0.01 mg/kg, 0.02 mg/kg,0.03 mg/kg, 0.04 mg/kg, 0.05 mg/kg, 0.06 mg/kg, 0.08 mg/kg, 0.1 mg/kg,0.2 mg/kg, 0.3 mg/kg, 0.4 mg/kg, 0.5 mg/kg, 0.6 mg/kg, 0.8 mg/kg, 1.0mg/kg, 1.1 mg/kg, 1.2 mg/kg, 1.3 mg/kg, 1.4 mg/kg, 1.5 mg/kg, 1.6 mg/kg,1.7 mg/kg, 1.8 mg/kg, 1.9 mg/kg, 2.0 mg/kg, 2.2 mg/kg, 2.4 mg/kg, 2.6mg/kg, 2.8 mg/kg, 3.0 mg/kg, 3.2 mg/kg, 3.4 mg/kg, 3.6 mg/kg, 3.8 mg/kg,or 4.0 mg/kg. Nivolumab is administered by intravenous infusion at adose of 3 mg/kg over 60 minutes once every two weeks. The adjunctiveanti-CD40 antibody/nivolumab therapy is continued until diseaseprogression or no longer tolerated by the patient.

In another exemplary embodiment, an anti-CD40 antibody is usedadjunctive to nivolumab (OPDIVO®) to treat non-small cell lung cancer.In some embodiments, the anti-CD40 antibody is any one of the humanizedantibodies listed in TABLE 3. The anti-CD40 antibody is administered viaIV infusion once every 14 days at 0.005 mg/kg, 0.01 mg/kg, 0.02 mg/kg,0.03 mg/kg, 0.04 mg/kg, 0.05 mg/kg, 0.06 mg/kg, 0.08 mg/kg, 0.1 mg/kg,0.2 mg/kg, 0.3 mg/kg, 0.4 mg/kg, 0.5 mg/kg, 0.6 mg/kg, 0.8 mg/kg, 1.0mg/kg, 1.1 mg/kg, 1.2 mg/kg, 1.3 mg/kg, 1.4 mg/kg, 1.5 mg/kg, 1.6 mg/kg,1.7 mg/kg, 1.8 mg/kg, 1.9 mg/kg, 2.0 mg/kg, 2.2 mg/kg, 2.4 mg/kg, 2.6mg/kg, 2.8 mg/kg, 3.0 mg/kg, 3.2 mg/kg, 3.4 mg/kg, 3.6 mg/kg, 3.8 mg/kg,or 4.0 mg/kg. Nivolumab is administered by intravenous infusion at adose of 3 mg/kg over 60 minutes once every two weeks. The adjunctiveanti-CD40 antibody/nivolumab therapy is continued until diseaseprogression or no longer tolerated by the patient.

In another exemplary embodiment, an anti-CD40 antibody is usedadjunctive to nivolumab (OPDIVO®) to treat non-small cell lung cancer.In some embodiments, the anti-CD40 antibody is any one of the humanizedantibodies listed in TABLE 3. The anti-CD40 antibody is administered viaIV infusion once every 28 days at 0.005 mg/kg, 0.01 mg/kg, 0.02 mg/kg,0.03 mg/kg, 0.04 mg/kg, 0.05 mg/kg, 0.06 mg/kg, 0.08 mg/kg, 0.1 mg/kg,0.2 mg/kg, 0.3 mg/kg, 0.4 mg/kg, 0.5 mg/kg, 0.6 mg/kg, 0.8 mg/kg, 1.0mg/kg, 1.1 mg/kg, 1.2 mg/kg, 1.3 mg/kg, 1.4 mg/kg, 1.5 mg/kg, 1.6 mg/kg,1.7 mg/kg, 1.8 mg/kg, 1.9 mg/kg, 2.0 mg/kg, 2.2 mg/kg, 2.4 mg/kg, 2.6mg/kg, 2.8 mg/kg, 3.0 mg/kg, 3.2 mg/kg, 3.4 mg/kg, 3.6 mg/kg, 3.8 mg/kg,or 4.0 mg/kg. Nivolumab is administered by intravenous infusion at adose of 3 mg/kg over 60 minutes once every two weeks. The adjunctiveanti-CD40 antibody/nivolumab therapy is continued until diseaseprogression or no longer tolerated by the patient.

In another exemplary embodiment, an anti-CD40 antibody is usedadjunctive to nivolumab (OPDIVO®) to treat non-small cell lung cancer.In some embodiments, the anti-CD40 antibody is any one of the humanizedantibodies listed in TABLE 3. The anti-CD40 antibody is administered asan IT injection once every 7 days at 0.001 mg/kg, 0.002 mg/kg, 0.003mg/kg, 0.004 mg/kg, 0.005 mg/kg, 0.006 mg/kg, 0.007 mg/kg, 0.008 mg/kg,0.009 mg/kg, 0.01 mg/kg, 0.015 mg/kg, 0.02 mg/kg, 0.03 mg/kg, 0.04mg/kg, 0.05 mg/kg, 0.06 mg/kg, 0.08 mg/kg, 0.1 mg/kg, 0.2 mg/kg, 0.3mg/kg, 0.4 mg/kg, 0.5 mg/kg, 0.6 mg/kg, 0.8 mg/kg, 1.0 mg/kg, 1.1 mg/kg,1.2 mg/kg, 1.3 mg/kg, 1.4 mg/kg, 1.5 mg/kg, 1.6 mg/kg, 1.7 mg/kg, 1.8mg/kg, 1.9 mg/kg, or 2.0 mg/kg. Nivolumab is administered by intravenousinfusion at a dose of 3 mg/kg over 60 minutes once every two weeks. Theadjunctive anti-CD40 antibody/nivolumab therapy is continued untildisease progression or no longer tolerated by the patient.

In another exemplary embodiment, an anti-CD40 antibody is usedadjunctive to nivolumab (OPDIVO®) to treat non-small cell lung cancer.In some embodiments, the anti-CD40 antibody is any one of the humanizedantibodies listed in TABLE 3. The anti-CD40 antibody is administered asan IT injection once every 14 days at 0.001 mg/kg, 0.002 mg/kg, 0.003mg/kg, 0.004 mg/kg, 0.005 mg/kg, 0.006 mg/kg, 0.007 mg/kg, 0.008 mg/kg,0.009 mg/kg, 0.01 mg/kg, 0.015 mg/kg, 0.02 mg/kg, 0.03 mg/kg, 0.04mg/kg, 0.05 mg/kg, 0.06 mg/kg, 0.08 mg/kg, 0.1 mg/kg, 0.2 mg/kg, 0.3mg/kg, 0.4 mg/kg, 0.5 mg/kg, 0.6 mg/kg, 0.8 mg/kg, 1.0 mg/kg, 1.1 mg/kg,1.2 mg/kg, 1.3 mg/kg, 1.4 mg/kg, 1.5 mg/kg, 1.6 mg/kg, 1.7 mg/kg, 1.8mg/kg, 1.9 mg/kg, or 2.0 mg/kg. Nivolumab is administered by intravenousinfusion at a dose of 3 mg/kg over 60 minutes once every two weeks. Theadjunctive anti-CD40 antibody/nivolumab therapy is continued untildisease progression or no longer tolerated by the patient.

In another exemplary embodiment, an anti-CD40 antibody is usedadjunctive to nivolumab (OPDIVO®) to treat non-small cell lung cancer.In some embodiments, the anti-CD40 antibody is any one of the humanizedantibodies listed in TABLE 3. The anti-CD40 antibody is administered asan IT injection once every 28 days at 0.001 mg/kg, 0.002 mg/kg, 0.003mg/kg, 0.004 mg/kg, 0.005 mg/kg, 0.006 mg/kg, 0.007 mg/kg, 0.008 mg/kg,0.009 mg/kg, 0.01 mg/kg, 0.015 mg/kg, 0.02 mg/kg, 0.03 mg/kg, 0.04mg/kg, 0.05 mg/kg, 0.06 mg/kg, 0.08 mg/kg, 0.1 mg/kg, 0.2 mg/kg, 0.3mg/kg, 0.4 mg/kg, 0.5 mg/kg, 0.6 mg/kg, 0.8 mg/kg, 1.0 mg/kg, 1.1 mg/kg,1.2 mg/kg, 1.3 mg/kg, 1.4 mg/kg, 1.5 mg/kg, 1.6 mg/kg, 1.7 mg/kg, 1.8mg/kg, 1.9 mg/kg, or 2.0 mg/kg. Nivolumab is administered by intravenousinfusion at a dose of 3 mg/kg over 60 minutes once every two weeks. Theadjunctive anti-CD40 antibody/nivolumab therapy is continued untildisease progression or no longer tolerated by the patient.

In another exemplary embodiment, an anti-CD40 antibody is usedadjunctive to pembrolizumab (Keytruda®) to treat non-small cell lungcancer. In some embodiments, the anti-CD40 antibody is any one of thehumanized antibodies listed in TABLE 3. The anti-CD40 antibody isadministered via IV infusion once every 7 days at 0.005 mg/kg, 0.01mg/kg, 0.02 mg/kg, 0.03 mg/kg, 0.04 mg/kg, 0.05 mg/kg, 0.06 mg/kg, 0.08mg/kg, 0.1 mg/kg, 0.2 mg/kg, 0.3 mg/kg, 0.4 mg/kg, 0.5 mg/kg, 0.6 mg/kg,0.8 mg/kg, 1.0 mg/kg, 1.1 mg/kg, 1.2 mg/kg, 1.3 mg/kg, 1.4 mg/kg, 1.5mg/kg, 1.6 mg/kg, 1.7 mg/kg, 1.8 mg/kg, 1.9 mg/kg, 2.0 mg/kg, 2.2 mg/kg,2.4 mg/kg, 2.6 mg/kg, 2.8 mg/kg, 3.0 mg/kg, 3.2 mg/kg, 3.4 mg/kg, 3.6mg/kg, 3.8 mg/kg, or 4.0 mg/kg. Pembrolizumab is administered byintravenous infusion at a dose of 2 mg/kg over 30 minutes once everythree weeks. The adjunctive anti-CD40 antibody/pembrolizumab therapy iscontinued until disease progression or no longer tolerated by thepatient.

In another exemplary embodiment, an anti-CD40 antibody is usedadjunctive to pembrolizumab (Keytruda®) to treat non-small cell lungcancer. In some embodiments, the anti-CD40 antibody is any one of thehumanized antibodies listed in TABLE 3. The anti-CD40 antibody isadministered via IV infusion once every 14 days at 0.005 mg/kg, 0.01mg/kg, 0.02 mg/kg, 0.03 mg/kg, 0.04 mg/kg, 0.05 mg/kg, 0.06 mg/kg, 0.08mg/kg, 0.1 mg/kg, 0.2 mg/kg, 0.3 mg/kg, 0.4 mg/kg, 0.5 mg/kg, 0.6 mg/kg,0.8 mg/kg, 1.0 mg/kg, 1.1 mg/kg, 1.2 mg/kg, 1.3 mg/kg, 1.4 mg/kg, 1.5mg/kg, 1.6 mg/kg, 1.7 mg/kg, 1.8 mg/kg, 1.9 mg/kg, 2.0 mg/kg, 2.2 mg/kg,2.4 mg/kg, 2.6 mg/kg, 2.8 mg/kg, 3.0 mg/kg, 3.2 mg/kg, 3.4 mg/kg, 3.6mg/kg, 3.8 mg/kg, or 4.0 mg/kg. Pembrolizumab is administered byintravenous infusion at a dose of 2 mg/kg over 30 minutes once everythree weeks. The adjunctive anti-CD40 antibody/pembrolizumab therapy iscontinued until disease progression or no longer tolerated by thepatient.

In another exemplary embodiment, an anti-CD40 antibody is usedadjunctive to pembrolizumab (Keytruda®) to treat non-small cell lungcancer. In some embodiments, the anti-CD40 antibody is any one of thehumanized antibodies listed in TABLE 3. The anti-CD40 antibody isadministered via IV infusion once every 28 days at 0.005 mg/kg, 0.01mg/kg, 0.02 mg/kg, 0.03 mg/kg, 0.04 mg/kg, 0.05 mg/kg, 0.06 mg/kg, 0.08mg/kg, 0.1 mg/kg, 0.2 mg/kg, 0.3 mg/kg, 0.4 mg/kg, 0.5 mg/kg, 0.6 mg/kg,0.8 mg/kg, 1.0 mg/kg, 1.1 mg/kg, 1.2 mg/kg, 1.3 mg/kg, 1.4 mg/kg, 1.5mg/kg, 1.6 mg/kg, 1.7 mg/kg, 1.8 mg/kg, 1.9 mg/kg, 2.0 mg/kg, 2.2 mg/kg,2.4 mg/kg, 2.6 mg/kg, 2.8 mg/kg, 3.0 mg/kg, 3.2 mg/kg, 3.4 mg/kg, 3.6mg/kg, 3.8 mg/kg, or 4.0 mg/kg. Pembrolizumab is administered byintravenous infusion at a dose of 2 mg/kg over 30 minutes once everythree weeks. The adjunctive anti-CD40 antibody/pembrolizumab therapy iscontinued until disease progression or no longer tolerated by thepatient.

In another exemplary embodiment, an anti-CD40 antibody is usedadjunctive to pembrolizumab (Keytruda®) to treat non-small cell lungcancer. In some embodiments, the anti-CD40 antibody is any one of thehumanized antibodies listed in TABLE 3. The anti-CD40 antibody isadministered as an IT injection once every 7 days at 0.001 mg/kg, 0.002mg/kg, 0.003 mg/kg, 0.004 mg/kg, 0.005 mg/kg, 0.006 mg/kg, 0.007 mg/kg,0.008 mg/kg, 0.009 mg/kg, 0.01 mg/kg, 0.015 mg/kg, 0.02 mg/kg, 0.03mg/kg, 0.04 mg/kg, 0.05 mg/kg, 0.06 mg/kg, 0.08 mg/kg, 0.1 mg/kg, 0.2mg/kg, 0.3 mg/kg, 0.4 mg/kg, 0.5 mg/kg, 0.6 mg/kg, 0.8 mg/kg, 1.0 mg/kg,1.1 mg/kg, 1.2 mg/kg, 1.3 mg/kg, 1.4 mg/kg, 1.5 mg/kg, 1.6 mg/kg, 1.7mg/kg, 1.8 mg/kg, 1.9 mg/kg, or 2.0 mg/kg. Pembrolizumab is administeredby intravenous infusion at a dose of 2 mg/kg over 30 minutes once everythree weeks. The adjunctive anti-CD40 antibody/pembrolizumab therapy iscontinued until disease progression or no longer tolerated by thepatient.

In another exemplary embodiment, an anti-CD40 antibody is usedadjunctive to pembrolizumab (Keytruda®) to treat non-small cell lungcancer. In some embodiments, the anti-CD40 antibody is any one of thehumanized antibodies listed in TABLE 3. The anti-CD40 antibody isadministered as an IT injection once every 14 days at 0.001 mg/kg, 0.002mg/kg, 0.003 mg/kg, 0.004 mg/kg, 0.005 mg/kg, 0.006 mg/kg, 0.007 mg/kg,0.008 mg/kg, 0.009 mg/kg, 0.01 mg/kg, 0.015 mg/kg, 0.02 mg/kg, 0.03mg/kg, 0.04 mg/kg, 0.05 mg/kg, 0.06 mg/kg, 0.08 mg/kg, 0.1 mg/kg, 0.2mg/kg, 0.3 mg/kg, 0.4 mg/kg, 0.5 mg/kg, 0.6 mg/kg, 0.8 mg/kg, 1.0 mg/kg,1.1 mg/kg, 1.2 mg/kg, 1.3 mg/kg, 1.4 mg/kg, 1.5 mg/kg, 1.6 mg/kg, 1.7mg/kg, 1.8 mg/kg, 1.9 mg/kg, or 2.0 mg/kg. Pembrolizumab is administeredby intravenous infusion at a dose of 2 mg/kg over 30 minutes once everythree weeks. The adjunctive anti-CD40 antibody/pembrolizumab therapy iscontinued until disease progression or no longer tolerated by thepatient.

In another exemplary embodiment, an anti-CD40 antibody is usedadjunctive to pembrolizumab (Keytruda®) to treat non-small cell lungcancer. In some embodiments, the anti-CD40 antibody is any one of thehumanized antibodies listed in TABLE 3. The anti-CD40 antibody isadministered as an IT injection once every 28 days at 0.001 mg/kg, 0.002mg/kg, 0.003 mg/kg, 0.004 mg/kg, 0.005 mg/kg, 0.006 mg/kg, 0.007 mg/kg,0.008 mg/kg, 0.009 mg/kg, 0.01 mg/kg, 0.015 mg/kg, 0.02 mg/kg, 0.03mg/kg, 0.04 mg/kg, 0.05 mg/kg, 0.06 mg/kg, 0.08 mg/kg, 0.1 mg/kg, 0.2mg/kg, 0.3 mg/kg, 0.4 mg/kg, 0.5 mg/kg, 0.6 mg/kg, 0.8 mg/kg, 1.0 mg/kg,1.1 mg/kg, 1.2 mg/kg, 1.3 mg/kg, 1.4 mg/kg, 1.5 mg/kg, 1.6 mg/kg, 1.7mg/kg, 1.8 mg/kg, 1.9 mg/kg, or 2.0 mg/kg. Pembrolizumab is administeredby intravenous infusion at a dose of 2 mg/kg over 30 minutes once everythree weeks. The adjunctive anti-CD40 antibody/pembrolizumab therapy iscontinued until disease progression or no longer tolerated by thepatient.

As will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, the recommendeddosages for the various agents described above may need to be adjustedto optimize patient response and maximize therapeutic benefit.

8. EXAMPLES

The following Examples, which highlight certain features and propertiesof the exemplary embodiments of the anti-CD40 antibodies describedherein are provided for purposes of illustration, and not limitation.

Example 1: Generation of Mouse Anti-Human CD40 Antibodies

Monoclonal antibodies were generated by immunizing Balb/C mice or SJLmice intraperitoneally with mouse 3T12 cells overexpressing human CD40.Spleens were harvested, and splenocytes were fused with the multiplemyeloma cell line NSO. Hybridomas were selected using aminopterin.Selected hybridomas expressing anti-CD40 antibodies with agonisticactivities were screened and subcloned to isolate individual clones.

To screen for antibodies with agonistic activity, a panel of functionalassays was developed, including NFκB pathway stimulation, monocytesactivation, dendritic cell (DC) activation and CD40 ligand (CD40L)competition. In these assays, anti-human CD40 G28-5 (mouse IgG₁)(Biolegend) was included as positive control and an isotype matchedmouse antibody (mIgG1) as negative control.

8.1.1. HEK293 Blue CD40 NFκB Reporter Assay

HEK293 blue CD40 cell line (InVivogen) stably expressing human CD40 anda NFκB reporter gene were maintained in DMEM, 10% heat-inactivated fetalbovine serum (FBS), supplemented with 30 μg/mL Blasticidin and 100 μg/mLZeocin. Activation of CD40 on the surface of HEK293 blue CD40 cellstriggers a signaling cascade leading to the activation of NFκB and thesubsequent secretion of embryonic alkaline phosphatase (SEAP).Incubation of hybridoma supernatants containing agonistic anti-CD40 with2.5×10⁵/mL of HEK293 blue CD40 cells stimulated production of SEAP whichwas measured by a colorimetic enzyme assay. The level of SEAP thuscorresponded to the activity of anti-CD40 in the hybridoma supernatants.

8.1.2. Monocyte Activation Assay

The monocyte activity assay was performed using the monocytic cell lineTHP1-XBlue cells (InVivogen). This cell line stably expresses an NFκBand AP-1-inducible SEAP reporter gene and was maintained in RPMI 1640with 10% heat-inactivated FBS and 200 μg/mL Zeocin. In the assay,5×10⁵/mL THP1-XBlue cells were first primed with 40 ng/mL IFNγ for 24hours, and were subsequently incubated with testing samples for anadditional 24 hours. Agonistic anti-CD40-induced SEAP activity wasmonitored by enzymatic assay.

8.1.3. Primary Dendritic Cell IL-12p70 Production Assay

Anti-CD40 clones were also screened for their ability to activatemonocyte-derived dendritic cells (moDC). Activation was monitored byIL-12p70 production. Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC)were first isolated on a Ficoll gradient. Briefly, whole blood fromhealthy human donors, diluted with an equal volume of PBS, was added toa Leucosep (Greiner Bio One) tube, containing Ficoll-Paque Plus belowthe frit (15 mL). The blood was then centrifuged at 1,000 g for 15minutes without brake. PBMC were collected and washed once with PBS,centrifuged at 1,300 rpm for 5 minutes at room temperature, and washedonce with RPMI 1640. Cells were re-suspended in culture medium(RPMI1640+10% heat-inactivated FBS). Monocytes were subsequentlyisolated from PBMC with an enrichment kit from StemCell and werecultured in StemSep serum free medium supplemented with 10 ng/mL GM-CSFand 20 ng/mL IL-4 at 37° C., 5% CO₂ for 6 days. Fresh GM-CSF and IL-4were added to the culture at day 3 to help maintain DC differentiation.After 6 days in culture, monocyte-derived immature DC were subject toFACS analysis to verify immature DC phenotype: Lin-, CD80/CD86+,HLA-DR+, or CD11c+. Immature moDC were primed with IFNγ and stimulatedwith samples containing an anti-CD40 antibody for 48 hours in StemSepserum free medium supplemented with GM-CSF and IL-4. The culturesupernatant was harvested and assayed for IL-12p70 production by acommercially available ELISA kit. The screening results andrepresentative activity are summarized in Table 1-1.

Table 1-1 shows the range of agonistic anti-CD40 activity acrossisolated hybridomas. All of the new clones demonstrated monocyteactivation comparable to literature CD40 antibody G28-5 (see, e.g.,Bishop, G. A. Journal of Immunology 188, 4127-4129 (2012)). ClonesAD166.4.4 and AD175.14.11 demonstrated monocyte activation but did notshow dendritic cell activation. The remainder of the clones displayedmonocyte activation comparable to G28-5, as well as enhanced dendriticcell activation as compared with G28-5.

TABLE 1-1 Summary of agonistic anti-CD40 clone screen Monocyteactivation¹ moDC activation Clone (THP1-Xblue, OD₆₅₅) (IL-12p70, pg/mL)AD163.7.2 0.13 905.3 AD163.9.3 0.19 2216.3 AD163.10.7 0.16 1318.8AD163.27.12 0.12 1514.5 AD163.162.1 0.11 2155.5 AD164.14.6 0.15 878AD164.76.3 0.16 769.8 AD165.1.2 0.14 719.8 AD166.4.4 0.24 0 AD175.14.110.2 0 G28-5 0.12 138.8 muIgG1 0.06 0 ¹Monocyte activation is SEAPactivity released from THP1-XBlue cells recorded at OD₆₅₅

The cDNA sequences encoding the heavy and light chain variable regionsoften monoclonal antibodies were cloned from hybridomas AD163.9.3,AD166.4.4, AD175.14.11, AD163.10.7, AD165.1.2, AD163.162.1, AD163.27.12,AD163.7.2, AD164.14.6, and AD164.76.3, respectively, using standard PCRtechniques and were sequenced using standard DNA sequencing techniques.The full corresponding antibody amino acid sequences encoded by the DNAare shown in FIGS. 2A-2C.

Example 2: Epitope Classification of Mouse Anti-Human CD40 Antibodies

BIAcore analysis and an ELISA method were used to classify mouseanti-human CD40 agonistic antibodies based on their ability to competewith each other or CD40 ligand (CD40L) for binding to CD40.

BIAcore analysis was performed using a BIAcore T100 instrument at 12° C.A goat anti-mouse Fc antibody (Pierce, cat#31170) was first immobilizedon CM5 sensor chip followed by capture of the first test antibody on thesurface. After blocking by 50 μg/mL of mouse isotype antibody cocktail,the flow cells were injected with the soluble form of the extracellulardomain of human CD40 (Creative BioMart, cat# CD402221H). Subsequently,the second test antibody or CD40L (PeproTech, cat#0308145) was injectedto measure their binding to the complex of CD40 and the first testantibody. As shown in Table 2-1, the anti-CD40 antibodies of thedisclosure were classified into three epitope groups. Epitope group 1was exemplified by AD163.7.2 (“muAb8”) and AD175.14.11 (“muAb3”), whichblocked CD40L binding to CD40. Epitope group 2 was determined fromclones AD163.162.1 (“muAb6”) and AD163.27.12 (“muAb7”), which did notcompete with CD40L or to antibodies in epitope group 1. The thirdepitope group was exemplified by clones AD163.9.3 (“muAb1”), AD166.4.4(“muAb2”), and AD165.1.2 (“muAb5”), which did not compete with CD40Lbinding to CD40, but did compete with antibodies in epitope groups 1 and2.

TABLE 2-1 Epitope classification by BIAcore analysis first secondantibody antibody muAb6 muAb1 muAb2 muAb7 muAb5 muAb8 muAb3 CD40L muAb6— X X X X Y Y Y muAb1 X — X X X X X Y muAb2 X X — X X X X Y muAb7 X X X— X Y Y Y muAb5 X X X X — X X Y muAb8 Y X X Y X — X X muAb3 Y X X Y X X— X X: second antibody unable to bind; Y: simultaneous binding

An ELISA assay was developed to measure the effects of the anti-CD40antibodies on the human CD40-CD40L interaction. Briefly, a CD40-human Fc(huFc) fusion protein (Creative BioMart) was mixed with an anti-CD40antibody or an isotype control antibody and added to 96-well platescoated with HA-tagged CD40L (R&D Systems). The binding of the CD40-huFccomplex to the plate-bound CD40L was detected by HRP conjugatedanti-human Fc antibody (Jackson ImmunoResearch). After development withTMB (3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine) substrate, the plates were read atOD₄₅₀.

The effect of the anti-CD40 antibodies on CD40-CD40L interaction wasdetermined by calculating the ratio of the OD₄₅₀ in the samplescontaining anti-CD40 antibodies to the OD₄₅₀ in the sample containingthe isotype control antibody (“OD₄₅₀ ratio”). OD₄₅₀ ratios of ≤0.1showed inhibition of human CD40L binding to human CD40. OD₄₅₀ ratiosbetween 0.1 and 1 showed partial inhibition of CD40L binding to CD40.OD₄₅₀ ratios ≥1 showed enhanced binding of human CD40L to human CD40,thereby enhancing CD40 signaling.

The data are summarized in Table 2-2. Antibodies muAb8 and muAb3 blockedCD40 binding to CD40L exhibited a ratio less than 0.1. Antibodies muAb6and muAb7 showed a ratio around 0.5, suggesting a modest effect onCD40-CD40L interaction. Antibodies muAb1, muAb2, muAb4, muAb5, muAb9,and muAb10 exhibited an OD₄₅₀ ratio of about 1 or greater than 1,indicating either no effect or an effect that promoted CD40 binding toCD40L.

TABLE 2-2 Competition with CD40 for CD40L Binding OD₄₅₀ with anti-CD40Antibody antibody OD₄₅₀ Ratio muAb8 0.066 0.08 muAb3 0.068 0.09 muAb70.328 0.41 muAb6 0.455 0.57 muAb1 1.779 2.22 muAb4 1.343 1.68 muAb91.883 2.35 muAb10 2.107 2.63 muAb5 0.989 1.24 muAb2 1.025 1.28

Example 3: Humanization of Mouse Anti-Human CD40 Antibodies

Humanization of the antibody V region was carried out as outlined byQueen, C. et al. (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 1989; 86:10029-10033). Thecanonical structures of the CDRs were determined according to Huang etal. (Methods, 2005; 36:35-42). Human variable germline sequences withthe same or most similar CDR canonical structures were identified, andappropriate human V_(H), V_(L), and J segment sequences were selected toprovide the frameworks for the anti-CD40 variable region. At frameworkpositions in which the computer model suggested significant contact withthe CDRs, the amino acids from the murine anti-CD40 V regions weresubstituted for the original human framework amino acids(back-mutations). The constant regions of human IgG₁ with naturalvariants D356E and L358M in the heavy chain, and a kappa light chainwere used unless otherwise specified. Full amino acid sequences of theV_(H) and V_(L) regions of the humanized antibodies are shown in FIGS.2D-2G.

Anti-CD40 clone AD163.162.1 (“muAb6”) was humanized according to themethod described above. The humanized versions of muAb6 were huAb6-1,huAb6-2 and huAb6-3. Antibody huAb6-1 carried V_(H) (SEQ ID NO: 110)framework back-mutations: M48I, V67A, I69L, and A71V. Antibody huAb6-2carried V_(H) (SEQ ID NO: 111) framework back-mutations M48I and A71V.Antibody huAb6-3 carried V_(H) (SEQ ID NO: 112) framework back-mutationsM48I and A71V, as well as V_(H) CDR germlining changes N60A, K64Q andD65G to increase identity to human germline sequence. AntibodieshuAb6-1, huAb6-2 and huAb6-3 carried V_(L) (SEQ ID NO: 161) frameworkback-mutations: A43S, L46R, L47W and F71Y.

The humanized versions of anti-CD40 clone AD163.7.2 (“muAb8”) werehuAb8-1, huAb8-2 and huAb8-3 (FIGS. 2D-2E). Antibody huAb8-1 carriedV_(H) (SEQ ID NO: 113) framework back-mutations: M48I, V67A, I69L, A71V,K73R, Y91F, and R94S. Antibody huAb8-2 carried V_(H) (SEQ ID NO: 114)framework back-mutations: M48I, V67A, I69L, A71V, K73R, Y91F, and R94S;as well as V_(H) CDR C59S mutation. Antibody huAb8-3 carried V_(H) (SEQID NO: 115) framework back-mutations: M48I, A71V and R94S. AntibodieshuAb8-1, huAb8-2 and huAb8-3 all carried V_(L) (SEQ ID NO: 162)framework back-mutations: A43S, and Y87F.

Anti-CD40 clone AD164.14.6 (“muAb9”) was humanized to provide huAb9-1,huAb9-2, huAb9-3, huAb9-4, huAb9-5 and huAb9-6. Antibodies huAb9-1 andhuAb9-4 displayed V_(H) (SEQ ID NO: 116) framework back-mutations: I48M,V671 and V71R. Antibodies huAb9-2 and huAb9-5 carried V_(H) (SEQ ID NO:117) framework back-mutations: I48M and V71R. Antibodies huAb9-3 andhuAb9-6 carried V_(H) (SEQ ID NO: 118) framework back-mutations: I48Mand V71R, as well as additional two CDR germline changes T30S and N65Sto improve identity to human germline sequence. Antibodies huAb9-1,huAb9-2 and huAb9-3 carried V_(L) (SEQ ID NO: 163) frameworkback-mutations: I2A, Y36F and Y87F. Antibodies huAb9-4, huAb9-5 andhuAb9-6 carried V_(L) (SEQ ID NO: 164) framework back-mutation I2A.Clone AD164.14.6 was further modified to remove a signal peptidecleavage site found at the second position of the light chain, byreverting the framework back-mutation I2A of the V_(L). Antibodies huAb9A2I and huAb9 A2V carried V_(H) (SEQ ID NO:117) and V_(L) containingframework revert mutations A2I (SEQ ID NO:170) and A2V (SEQ ID NO:171),respectively, prevented the formation of an undesired cleavage product.

Humanized antibodies in the present Example were generated with a humanIgG₁ heavy chain constant region and kappa light chain constant region.The C-terminal lysine may be partially cleaved by post-translationalprocessing after protein expression of the human IgG₁ heavy chain.Accordingly, huAb9-5 had a heavy chain according to SEQ ID NOS:130 or131 and a light chain according to SEQ ID NO:140. Antibody huAb9-5 alsowas produced with V273E and V273Y amino acid mutations in the heavychain constant region, corresponding to a heavy chain according to SEQID NOS:132 or 133 and SEQ ID NOS:134 or 135, respectively, and a lightchain according to SEQ ID NO:140. Antibodies huAb9 A2I and huAb9 A2Vwere generated with a human IgG1 V273E heavy chain constant region.Accordingly, huAb9 A2I had a heavy chain according to SEQ ID NOS:132 or133 and a light chain according to SEQ ID NO:141. Analogously, huAb9 A2Vhad a heavy chain according to SEQ ID NOS:132 or 133 and a light chainaccording to SEQ ID NO:142.

Example 4: Characterization of the Humanized Anti-Human CD40 Antibodies

To ensure the humanized anti-CD40 antibodies retained the agonistic andother desired properties of the parental murine antibodies, a panel ofcharacterization assays was performed to determine NFκB activation, CD40binding kinetics, species cross-reactivity and epitope classes of thehumanized antibodies of the disclosure.

8.4.1. NFκB Activation

NFκB activation by humanized anti-CD40 antibody of the invention wasevaluated in HEK293 blue CD40 NFκB reporter cells. The activation wasrepresented as SEAP (secreted embryonic alkaline phosphatase) reportergene activity measured at OD₆₅₅. The maximal OD₆₅₅ measured and theconcentration for half-maximal activation (EC₅₀) are summarized in Table4-1.

TABLE 4-1 NFκB activation in HEK293 blue CD40 NFκB reporter cellsHumanized EC₅₀ Maximal activation antibody (μg/mL) (OD₆₅₅) huAb6-1 1.090.26 huAb6-2 1.21 0.20 huAb6-3 4.31 0.32 huAb8-1 0.14 0.45 huAb8-3 0.070.46 huAb9-1 0.19 0.26 huAb9-2 0.29 0.27 huAb9-3 0.18 0.27 huAb9-4 5.550.61 huAb9-5 1.13 0.67 huAb9-6 5.95 0.54

8.4.2. CD40 Binding Kinetics and Species Cross-Reactivity

The binding affinities of the disclosed humanized anti-CD40 antibodieswere analyzed by both BIAcore and flow cytometry analysis.

CD40 binding kinetics was analyzed by BIAcore assay with a BIAcore T200instrument.

Briefly, a goat anti-mouse Fc antibody (Pierce, cat#31170) or goatanti-human Fc (Pierce, cat#31125) was immobilized on a CM5 sensor chip,followed by capture of the anti-CD40 antibodies on the test surface.Subsequently, the soluble form of the extracellular domain of human CD40(Creative BioMart, cat# CD402221H) or cynomolgus (cyno) CD40 (CreativeBioMart, cat# CD40-8824C) was injected, and the binding and dissociationwere measured.

Surface plasmon resonance data indicated that humanized huAb8-1,huAb9-5, huAb9 A2I, and huAb9 A2V antibodies retained similar bindingaffinities (K_(D)) as that of their parental clones AD163.7.2 (“muAb8”)or clone AD164.14.6 (“muAb9”), and showed similar binding to human orcynomolgus CD40 (Table 4-2).

TABLE 4-2 Affinity measured by BIAcore* Human CD40 Cynomolgus CD40Antibody k_(a) (1/Ms) k_(d) (1/s) K_(D) (M) k_(a) (1/Ms) k_(d) (1/s)K_(D) (M) muAb6 7.6E+04 4.8E−03 6.3E−08 Not determined muAb7 7.5E+044.8E−03 6.4E−08 Not determined muAb8 1.0E+06 4.2E−03 4.1E−09 Notdetermined muAb3 6.9E+04 1.2E−02 1.7E−07 Not determined muAb1 4.7E+051.6E−02 3.5E−08 Not determined muAb2 2.8E+06 9.6E−03 3.5E−09 Notdetermined muAb4 2.3E+06 1.7E−01 7.6E−08 Not determined muAb5 2.3E+062.0E−03 8.8E−10 Not determined muAb10 2.6E+06 3.4E−02 1.3E−08 Notdetermined muAb9 2.8E+06 5.2E−02 1.9E−08 Not determined huAb8-1 7.7E+052.3E−03 3.0E−09 1.0E+06 7.1E−03 7.1E−09 huAb9-5 1.7E+06 2.6E−02 1.5E−081.8E+06 2.4E−02 1.3E−08 huAb9 A2I 1.3E+06 2.2E−01 1.7E−07 1.7E+062.5E−01 1.5E−07 huAb9 A2V 1.5E+06 2.6E−01 1.7E−07 1.9E+06 2.7E−011.4E−07 *Numbers refer to scientific notation, e.g., 3.0E−09 = 3.0 ×10⁻⁹.

The humanized anti-CD40 antibodies were also evaluated for binding tocell-surface CD40 on HEK293 cells stably transfected with human orcynomolgus CD40, as well as B cells derived from cynomolgus or humanPBMC. Humanized anti-CD40 antibodies were incubated with HEK293transfectants for 15 minutes on ice, and the binding was detected with afluorescence-conjugated anti-human secondary antibody (JacksonImmunoResearch). FACS analysis of the cells confirmed that the humanizedantibodies bound to human and cynomolgus CD40 stable cell lines. Incontrast, no binding was observed in similar experiments performed withmouse, rat or dog CD40.

The anti-CD40 antibodies were also assessed for their ability to bind toprimary human and cynomolgus CD40-expressing cells. PBMCs isolated fromhuman or cynomolgus blood were incubated with anti-CD40 antibodiesconjugated to the fluorescence dye CF640R. After FACS analysis, the datawere analyzed by FlowJo (FlowJo, LLC) software. These resultsdemonstrated that the humanized antibodies bound to primaryCD40-positive cells derived from both human and cynomolgus PBMC.

8.4.3. Epitope Classification

Flow cytometry analysis and an ELISA method were used to classifyhumanized agonistic anti-CD40 antibodies based on their ability tocompete with each other or CD40 ligand (CD40L) for binding to CD40.

A flow cytometry analysis was developed to assess whether an antibodycompetes for binding human CD40 with another antibody. In this assay,CP-870,893, prepared from a fully human IgG₂ anti-human CD40 antibodyclone 21.4.1 (see, Gladue, R P. et al., Cancer Immunol. Immunother.2011; 60:1009-17 and U.S. Pat. No. 7,618,633), was used as the referenceantibody. The heavy and light chains, respectively, of CP-870,893 were:

(SEQ ID NO: 181) QVQLVQSGAEVKKPGASVKVSCKASGYTFTGYYMHWVRQAPGQGLEWMGWINPDSGGTNYAQKFQGRVTMTRDTSISTAYMELNRLRSDDTAVYYCARDQPLGYCTNGVCSYFDYWGQGTLVTVSSASTKGPSVFPLAPCSRSTSESTAALGCLVKDYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTSGVHTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSNFGTQTYTCNVDHKPSNTKVDKTVERKCCVECPPCPAPPVAGPSVFLFPPKPKDTLMISRTPEVTCVVVDVSHEDPEVQFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQFNSTFRVVSVLTVVHQDWLNGKEYKCKVSNKGLPAPIEKTISKTKGQPREPQVYTLPPSREEMTKNQVSLTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPMLDSDGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRWQQGNVFSCSV MHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSPGK,and (SEQ ID NO: 182) DIQMTQSPSSVSASVGDRVTITCRASQGIYSWLAWYQQKPGKAPNLLIYTASTLQSGVPSRFSGSGSGTDFTLTISSLQPEDFATYYCQQANIFPLTFGGGTKVEIKRTVAAPSVFIFPPSDEQLKSGTASVVCLLNNFYPREAKVQWKVDNALQSGNSQESVTEQDSKDSTYSLSSTLTLSKADYEKHKVY ACEVTHQGLSSPVTKSFNRGEC.

All anti-CD40 human or humanized antibodies, including huAb6-1, huAb8-1,huAb9 A2I, and CP-870,893, were labeled with Alexa Fluor (AF)-488. Eachfluorescence-labeled antibody with fixed concentration at 1 μg/mL wasseparately mixed with increasing amount of other unlabeled anti-CD40antibodies ranging from 0.5 ng/mL up to 50 μg/mL, and incubated withHEK293 cells stably expressing human CD40. The binding offluorescence-labeled antibody was then monitored by flow cytometry.

The competitive antibodies identified by dose-dependent reduction ofmean fluorescence intensity (MFI) and non-competitive antibodiesidentified by constant MFI were summarized in Table 4-3. While huAb6-1did not compete for binding human CD40 with huAb8-1, both huAb9 A2I andthe CP-870,893 competed with huAb6-1 and huAb8-1. Additionally, huAb9A2I and CP-870,893 competed with each other.

TABLE 4-3 Epitope classification by flow cytometry analysis secondantibody first antibody huAb6-1 huAb8-1 huAb9 A2I CP-870,893 huAb6-1 — YX X huAb8-1 Y — X X huAb9 A2I X X — X CP-870,893 X X X — X: mutuallycompetitive; Y: mutually non-competitive

Epitope classification of the humanized antibodies of the invention wasalso confirmed by an ELISA assay measuring the binding of anti-CD40antibody and CD40 complex to plate-bound CD40L as described in Example2. In this assay, CP-870,893 as prepared above was used as a referenceanti-CD40 antibody. Increasing amounts of anti-CD40 antibodies or humanIgG₁ (huIgG₁) control antibody were incubated with 1 μg/mL of CD40-huFcfusion protein, and added to a plate coated with CD40L. As shown in FIG.3, humanized antibodies huAb8-1 and huAb8-3 blocked interaction of CD40and CD40L (upper left); huAb6-1 and huAb6-2 showed minimal effect onCD40-CD40L interaction (upper right); and huAb9-5 and huAb9-6 promotedCD40 binding to CD40L (lower left). Humanized antibody huAb9 A2I alsopromoted CD40 binding to CD40L as compared to CP-870,893, which showedminimal effect on CD40-CD40L interaction (lower right).

The results were consistent with those obtained in a flow cytometrybased assay with cells expressing CD40L (FIG. 4). CD40L+ Jurkat cellswere incubated with fluorochrome Alexa Fluor 488-conjugated solublehuman CD40 protein at a constant concentration of 1 μg/mL. The bindingof fluorochrome-conjugated CD40 to Jurkat cell surface CD40L wasmeasured by flow cytometry analysis in the presence of humanizedantibody huAb9 A2I and reference anti-CD40 antibody CP-870,893. Enhancedfluorescence intensity was detected upon increased amount of huAb9 A2Iin the sample, but not with reference antibody CP-870,893. These resultssuggested that huAb9 A2I promoted CD40 binding to CD40L+ Jurkat cellswhile the reference CP-870,893 did not.

The functional impact of huAb9 A2I on CD40 signaling driven by CD40L wasalso determined in an assay comprising both CD40 and CD40L expressingcells. CD40-expressing cells (HEK293 blue CD40 NFκB reporter cellsdescribed in Section 8.1.1) were mixed with CD40L- or CD40L+ Jurkatcells at the ratio of 1:1, and incubated with either huAb9 A2I,CP-870,893 or control antibody at 3 μg/mL. The CD40 signaling wasmeasured by SEAP reporter activity through a colorimetric assay asdescribed in Section 8.4.1. When CD40 reporter cells were co-culturedwith CD40L-Jurkat cells (FIG. 5A), CD40 signaling was significantlyenhanced only after addition of either huAb9 A2I or CP-870,893, but notwith treatment of control antibody or with no addition. Although bothantibodies activated CD40, huAb9 A2I was not significantly more potentthan CP-870,893 in stimulating CD40 under these conditions. When CD40reporter cells were co-cultured with CD40L+ Jurkat cells (FIG. 5B), cellsurface CD40L activated CD40 as indicated by SEAP reporter activity.Treatment with CP-870,893 did not further enhance CD40 activitysignaling with SEAP reporter activity similar to the control huIgG1 orhuIgG2 isotype, or no antibody (media only) treatment. In contrast,treatment with huAb9 A2I further increased CD40 signaling with reporteractivity significantly greater than CP-870,893 and the controltreatments (p<0.001).

These data indicated that when cell surface CD40 was activated by asaturated amount of cell surface CD40L, huAb9 A2I further enhanced CD40activation by effecting greater downstream NFκB signaling as comparedwith an equivalent amount of known anti-CD40 antibody CP-870,893.

Example 5: Fc Region Variants of Anti-CD40 Antibodies

Greater agonistic activity of CD40 can be achieved through modifying theFc region to enhance FcγRIIB binding (Li and Ravetch, Science, 2011;333:1030-1034; and White, et al., J. Immunol, 2011; 187:1754-1763). Twomutations, V273E and V273Y, at position 273 in the human IgG₁ constantregion were introduced into the humanized anti-CD40 antibodies huAb6-1,huAb8-1, huAb9-5, and huAb9 A2I. The impact of the Fc mutations onbinding to Fcγ receptors was monitored by FACS analysis and byantibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC). The agonisticactivities of humanized anti-CD40 with Fc modification were monitoredthrough activation of NF-kB reporter, B cells, monocyte-derived DC and Tcells.

8.5.1. Fcγ Receptor Binding and ADCC Function

Increasing amounts of anti-CD40 human IgG₁ antibodies and their Fcvariants were incubated with CHO cells stably expressing different humanFcγ receptors, including FcγRI (CD64), FcγRIIA (CD32a), FcγRIIB (CD32b),and FcγRIIIA (CD16) with either F or V polymorphism. The binding wasdetected with a fluorescence-conjugated anti-human F(ab′)2 specificsecondary antibody (Jackson ImmunoResearch). The mutations V273E orV273Y reduced binding to FcγRIIIA (CD16F or V) while maintaining FcγRI(CD64) binding, and enhancing FcγRIIA (CD32a) or FcγRIIB (CD32b) binding(FIGS. 6A-6B).

The ADCC of the Fc variants of the humanized anti-CD40 antibodies wasmeasured using a standard protocol (Law et al., 2005, Cancer Res.65:8331-8). In an illustrative example, ADCC was reduced with constantregion variants V273E or V273Y as compared with wild type IgG₁ forantibody huAb9-5 in RL cells (FIG. 7).

8.5.2. Enhanced Agonistic Activity Upon FcγR Binding

To evaluate the impact of Fcγ receptor binding on agonistic activity ofanti-CD40, huAb9 A2I with huIgG₁ V273E mutation was used to treat HEK293blue CD40 NFκB reporter cells co-cultured with CHO cells stablyexpressing different human Fcγ receptors, and NFκB activity wasmonitored. As shown in Table 5-1, agonistic activity of CP-870,893 instimulating NFκB activation was independent of Fcγ receptor binding,while agonistic activity of huAb9 A2I was found to be dependent on Fcγreceptor binding. The potency of huAb9 A2I was ten-fold higher instimulating NFκB activity when reporter cells were co-cultured with CHOcells expressing CD32a, CD32b or CD64 than when co-cultured with CHOcells without Fcγ receptor expression, or expressing CD16V or CD16F.

TABLE 5-1 NFκB activity (EC₅₀, nM) CHO (FcγR) huAb9 A2I (huIgG₁ V273E)CP-870,893 (huIgG₂) FcγR negative 0.72 0.03 CD16F 0.39 0.03 CD16V 0.300.02 CD32a 0.08 0.02 CD32b 0.07 0.02 CD64 0.01 0.02

8.5.3. Fc Variants on B Cell Proliferation

The impact of Fc V273E or V273Y mutation on agonistic activity ofanti-CD40 was also evaluated with B cell proliferation assay. In thisassay, human B cells were enriched by B cell enrichment kit (StemCellTechnologies) through negative selection. The purified B cells wereseeded into 96 well plates at 5×10⁵/ml, 200 μL per well in AIM-V serumfree medium (GIBCO). Serially diluted anti-CD40 antibodies were addedand cultured with B cells for 6 days. In the last 16 hours of culture, 1μCi of H³TdR were added to each well of the culture and B cellproliferation was determined by H³TdR incorporation. The radioactivityassociated with H³TdR incorporation was recorded by a scintillationcounter as count per minute (CPM). Compared to the corresponding humanIgG1 wild-type antibodies, the anti-CD40 (huAb6-1, huAb8-1 and huAb9-5)human IgG1 Fc variants V273E and V273Y showed enhanced B cell activation(FIG. 8). However, when compared to CP-870,893, huAb9 A2I (human IgG₁V273E) showed about ten-fold lower potency in stimulating B cellproliferation (lower right graph).

8.5.4. Fc Variants on DC IL-12p70 Production

The impact of Fc V273E or V273Y mutation on agonistic activity ofanti-CD40 was further evaluated with DC activation assay using IL-12p70as read-out. In this assay, immature DCs were first derived frommonocytes purified from human PBMC and treated with IL4 and GM-CSF. DCmaturation and IL-12p70 production were induced by anti-CD40 afterpriming with IFNγ. The V273E or V273Y Fc mutated versions enhancedpotency on DC activation by enhancing IL-12p70 production. Asillustrated in FIG. 9, huAb6-1 (upper left), huAb8-1 (upper right), andhuAb9-5 (lower left) with huIgG₁ Fc variants V273E or V273Y showedincreased IL-12p70 production as compared with their correspondingantibodies having wild type huIgG₁. For huAb6-1 and huAb8-1, the variantwith huIgG₁ V273Y mutation was more effective at enhancing in vitroIL-12p70 production than the one with the V273E mutation. For huAb9-5,variants with huIgG₁ V273E or V273Y showed similar potency. In the caseof huAb9 A2I (lower right graph), the variant with huIgG₁ V273E mutationdemonstrated similar potency as CP-870,893 in stimulating DC to produceIL-12p70.

8.5.5. Fc Variants on T Cell Activation in Allogeneic DC and T CellCo-Culture

To demonstrate anti-CD40 could drive T cell activation throughstimulating antigen presenting cells such as DC, anti-CD40 Fc variantswere tested in allogeneic DC and T cell co-culture. In this assay,dendritic cells (5×10³) were first derived from monocytes using themethod described above, then mixed with 1×10⁵ T cells purified from adifferent donor. Various amounts of anti-CD40 antibody huAb6-1, huAb8-1,or huAb9-5 with either the wild-type human IgG₁ constant region or theirFc variants V273Y were added to the DC and T cell co-culture. After 4days incubation, supernatants were collected and IFN-γ was measured byELISA.

FIG. 10 illustrates exemplary antibodies that showed enhanced IFN-γproduction in the co-culture with cells from two different donor-pairs.In each instance, the V273Y variants of huAb6-1, huAb8-1, and huAb9-5demonstrated T cell activation as evidenced by significant increases inIFN-γ as compared with an isotype control huIgG₁ antibody.

Example 6: In Vivo Antitumor Activity of Anti-CD40 Antibodies

The humanized anti-CD40 antibodies huAb6-1, huAb9-5, and huAb9 A2I withwild-type human IgG₁ or Fc variants were assessed for their ability toinhibit tumor growth in NSG mice bearing the prostate PC3 tumors in thepresence of human immune cells.

NSG mice were inoculated subcutaneously with a mixture of PC3 cells(1×10⁶), purified T cells (5×10⁵), and autologous DCs (1×10⁵). A singledose of the anti-CD40 antibodies or control antibodies at 1 mg/kg wasinjected intraperitoneally immediately after inoculation. Tumor volumeswere measured every other day with calipers. Anti-CD40 antibodiesincluding huAb6-1, huAb9-5, huAb9 A2I and their Fc variants V273E orV273Y reduced tumor growth as compared to isotype control antibody inthe PC3 model as shown in FIG. 11.

Example 7: Proof-of-Concept Studies in Mouse Syngeneic Tumor Model

Due to the lack of mouse CD40 binding of exemplary anti-CD40 antibodiesof the disclosure, evaluation of pharmacologic effects in mouse wasperformed using a murine CD40 agonist antibody 1C10 muIgG₁. In analogyto the huIgG₁ Fc V273E mutation discussed above, 1C10 with murine IgG₁(muIgG₁) Fc demonstrated strong binding to muFcγRIIB and minimal bindingto muFcγRI and muFcγRIV, the functional equivalent to human FcγRIII.Similar to the anti-CD40 antibodies of the disclosure, 1C10 muIgG₁demonstrated potency in stimulating mouse splenic B cell activation invitro and in vivo. Therefore, anti-murine CD40 antibody 1C10 with murineIgG₁ constant region was used as a proof of concept molecule to explorepotential clinical development paths, which included using intratumoraldelivery or combination therapy with co-administration of an anti-PD-1antibody.

8.7.1. Intratumoral Administration

A CT26 syngeneic model in which mice harbored bilateral subcutaneoustumors was used to investigate intratumoral administration. Viable cells(1×10⁵) per mouse were inoculated subcutaneously into the right and lefthind flanks of female Balb/c mice on Day 0. Animals were randomized intogroups on Day 12 with ten mice per group. The mean tumor volume of theright flank at initiation of dosing was about 85 mm³. Three animals fromeach group were sacrificed 24 hr after the first dose for assessment ofserum ALT. The remaining animals were monitored for growth of bothtumors. Tumor volume was determined twice weekly. Measurements of thelength (L), width (W) and height (H) of the tumor were taken viaelectronic caliper and the volume was calculated according to thefollowing equation: L×W×H/2. Antibody dosing began immediately followingrandomization.

When anti-CD40 antibody 1C10 was directly injected into one tumor (3mg/kg, 2 to 3 times a week), the growth of tumors at both the injectedsite (“IT dosed”) as well as at a distal site (“Not IT dosed”) wasreduced, suggesting the establishment of systemic anti-tumor immunity(FIG. 12). Liver toxicity was monitored by liver enzyme ALT measured byVetScan (Abaxis Inc., Union City, Calif.). Intratumoral (IT) dosing ofanti-CD40 antibody 1C10 incurred lower ALT elevation than systemicintraperitoneal (IP) dosing.

8.7.2. Combination Therapy with Co-Administration of an Anti-PD-1Antibody

CT26 tumor was established by inoculating 1×10⁵ viable cells per mousesubcutaneously into the right flank of female BALB/c mice on Day 0.Animals were randomized into groups on Day 15. Anti-CD40 antibody 1C10(0.6 mg/kg) in combination with a proprietary anti-PD1 muIgG_(2a)antibody (10 mg/kg) were dosed IP twice a week in a syngeneic CT26 mousemodel. The combined administration regimen exhibited significantanti-tumor activity (7 out of 10 mice showed tumor regression vs. 0 incontrol and 1 out of 10 in each of anti-PD1 or anti-CD40 treated group),supporting the development of this combination (FIG. 13).

Treatment of anti-CD40 antibody 1C10 was performed at 0.6 mg/kg, whichwas a sub-therapeutic dose for monotherapy in this model. In some cases,maintaining a level of anti-tumor efficacy at such doses of eachmonoclonal antibody may afford reduced toxicity, as evidenced, e.g., byliver enzyme levels. In this experiment, the combination treatment didnot increase liver enzyme levels, spleen weight, or cytokine levels,such as TNFα or IL-6 (FIG. 14). Liver enzyme levels were measured byVetScan, and cytokine levels were measured with MILLIPLEX Map MouseCytokine Kit (EMD Millipore).

All publications, patents, patent applications and other documents citedin this application are hereby incorporated by reference in theirentireties for all purposes to the same extent as if each individualpublication, patent, patent application or other document wereindividually indicated to be incorporated by reference for all purposes.

While various specific embodiments have been illustrated and described,it will be appreciated that various changes can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention(s).

1. An anti-CD40 antibody which is an IgG antibody consisting of heavychains each consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:132 andlight chains each consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ IDNO:141. 2.-23. (canceled)
 24. A pharmaceutical composition comprisingthe anti-CD40 antibody of claim 1, and a pharmaceutically acceptablecarrier.
 25. An anti-CD40 antibody which is an IgG antibody consistingof heavy chains each consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ IDNO:133 and light chains each consisting of the amino acid sequence ofSEQ ID NO:141.
 26. A pharmaceutical composition comprising the anti-CD40antibody of claim 25, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.